EnviroSense has just embarked on an interesting piece of work conducting a RED II sustainability assessment for a large quantity of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to be placed on the market. We are not market analysts, but we have noted more fuels coming onto the market recently.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a low-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel, derived primarily from renewable, biogenic sources rather than fossil fuels. This fuel significantly reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and helps airlines meet climate targets.. One of the key attributes of SAF is its ability to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, but it is also limited in nature due to feedstock availability and higher processing costs. It has been reported that SAF cost 2-4 times more than traditional aviation fuel. Advancements in technology are improving the processing efficiency and can reduce costs but availability of viable feedstocks like used cooking oil, agricultural waste, and forestry residues is limited, posing a significant barrier to scaling SAF production. Demand competition and cost pressures for these materials, combined with the logistics of sustainable sourcing, are notable hurdles.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Trials and Commitments
With growing awareness of climate change and increasing regulatory pressures, airlines worldwide are trialling SAF to make air travel more sustainable. We note three airlines that have trialled SAF:
- DHL and IAG Cargo’s SAF Initiative DHL, a global logistics leader, has expanded its collaboration with International Airlines Group’s (IAG) cargo division, IAG Cargo, to use an additional 60 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its operations in 2024 and 2025. This strategic expansion aligns with DHL’s commitment to decarbonisation and environmental sustainability as laid out in its 2021 Sustainability Roadmap. By using SAF in partnership with IAG Cargo, DHL expects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 165,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent within a year and a half, marking this as the largest SAF agreement between an airline and a customer to date. DHL’s SAF is sourced from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil and food scraps, which are certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) and can reduce emissions by approximately 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. The roadmap calls for a significant increase in SAF usage, targeting a 30% blend in all air transportation by 2030.
- Norwegian Airlines and the Norwegian Armed Forces’ SAF Trailing Norway, a joint initiative between Norwegian Airlines and the Norwegian Armed Forces has paved the way for expanding SAF use in the aviation market. This collaboration, which took place at Ålesund Airport Vigra, saw the airline conducting a flight with a 15% SAF blend provided by St1 Nordic Oy. The Fly Green Alliance (FGA), an organisation focused on promoting green aviation, supported this project to help demonstrate the feasibility of SAF use in commercial aviation. Participants in the project included notable figures such as Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen and Norwegian Airlines CEO Geir Karlsen. The fuel blend used in this test is projected to reduce emissions substantially when compared to traditional jet fuel, helping Norwegian Airlines progress towards its sustainability goals. This project highlights Norway’s commitment to reducing the aviation sector’s environmental impact, with the SAF supplied from renewable sources like leftover cooking oil.
- Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet has made history by launching the country’s first-ever flights powered by sustainable aviation fuel. The landmark flights took off from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, bound for Melbourne, Australia, and Seoul, South Korea. Supplied by Vietnam’s Petrolimex, this SAF is derived from sustainable feedstocks such as wood biomass, used cooking oil, and municipal waste, offering up to 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. This initiative aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged at COP26, and represents a significant milestone for Vietjet as it strives to lead in environmental sustainability within the Vietnamese aviation sector. By introducing SAF into its operations, Vietjet is contributing to Vietnam’s environmental goals while setting an example for other carriers in the region. This development also supports the growth of the SAF industry in Vietnam, which will be critical for long-term decarbonisation efforts and showcases the country’s dedication to sustainable practices in aviation.
Additionally, in the United States, major carriers such as Delta and American Airlines have also committed to investing in SAF. Delta, for example, have pledged to become the first carbon-neutral airline globally by 2030 and sees SAF as a key component of this strategy.
These trails include real-world conditions and prove the safety of SAF and capture each airline’s commitment to SAF and their individual contributions to reducing aviation emissions, reflecting a shared drive towards a more sustainable aviation industry.
The Growth Forecast for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
The growth of sustainable aviation fuel is projected to be substantial in the coming years. According to a report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the demand for SAF could reach 450 million litres annually by 2025, a significant increase from the current levels of production. Industry experts predict that by 2030, SAF could account for 10% of global aviation fuel demand, potentially displacing traditional jet fuels and significantly reducing emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that the SAF market could be worth around $15 billion by 2030, driven by increasing investment and technological advancements.
Several factors contribute to this growth. First, airlines are under immense pressure from governments, consumers, and stakeholders to adopt more sustainable practices. Many countries have introduced incentives and mandates for using SAF, such as the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard and the European Union’s Fit for 55 package, which aims to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Second, advancements in technology and production methods are making SAF more accessible and affordable. As the production of SAF scales up, costs are expected to decrease, making it a more viable option for airlines.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain in the widespread adoption of SAF. As mentioned, one of the primary hurdles is the limited availability of sustainable feedstocks. Current production levels are low, and increasing the supply of feedstocks, such as used cooking oil or agricultural residues, will require significant investment and innovation and ensure the feedstocks are sourced sustainably.
Moreover, the infrastructure for SAF production and distribution needs to be expanded. Many airports lack the facilities to handle SAF, and developing this infrastructure will require collaboration among airlines, fuel producers, and government entities.
Regulatory hurdles also pose a challenge. Different countries have varying standards and regulations for SAF, which can complicate its adoption on a global scale. Harmonizing these regulations will be essential for fostering a robust international SAF market.
Opportunities for Collaboration
To overcome these challenges, collaboration across the aviation industry is crucial. Partnerships between airlines, fuel producers, and research institutions can accelerate the development of SAF and expand its supply chain. Initiatives such as the “Aviation Climate Taskforce” and the “Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group” aim to bring together stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices, and resources.
Governments, clearly, also play a critical role in supporting SAF initiatives. By providing financial incentives, investing in research and development, and creating supportive regulatory environments, governments can facilitate the growth of the SAF market.
The Path Forward
As airlines continue to trial and implement sustainable aviation fuel, the aviation industry stands at a pivotal moment. The transition to SAF presents an opportunity not only to reduce emissions but also to lead the way toward a more sustainable future for air travel.
Generally over the next 25 years, sustainable aviation fuel is poised for significant growth as airlines increasingly recognise its potential to mitigate climate change impacts. While challenges remain, collaborative efforts among industry players and supportive policies can drive the widespread adoption of SAF and collect and process biogenic feedstocks, without excessive production costs that originate from wastes or residues.
ISCC CORSIA Certification
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certification involves rigorous evaluation to ensure the fuel is derived from sustainable feedstocks and provides significant carbon reduction benefits. The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) and CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) are leading frameworks in certifying SAF. ISCC assesses the sustainability of feedstocks based on greenhouse gas reduction, biodiversity preservation, and social responsibility. CORSIA, implemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), evaluates lifecycle emissions and sustainability criteria, ensuring SAF production aligns with environmental goals. Together, ISCC and CORSIA validate SAF’s environmental integrity, supporting industry-wide sustainability commitments.
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For immediate questions, please contact Jack.boyle@envirosenselimited.co.uk