Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is one of six key measures to meet net zero in aviation in the UK by 2050, supporting the Government's Transport Decarbonisation Plan^[1] and wider Net Zero Strategy^[2].

Context

In March 2023 a consultation commenced^[3] (closing in June 2023) on proposals for the UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate (proposed to commence in 2025) which it is proposed will remove it from the RTFO framework and require that SAF is made from biofuels derived from wastes or residues, recycled carbon fuels (RCFs) or power to liquid (PtL) using low carbon electricity. It is also proposed that SAF will comprise at least 10% of the UK aviation fuel market by 2030^[4].

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that SAF could contribute to a reduction of 65% of emissions in aviation to reach net zero by 2050^[5]

Key waste fuels include used cooking oil, tallow, forestry residues and Municipal Solid Waste and the waste material required has significant ramifications for the availability of waste feedstocks and associated infrastructure to deliver the objectives of the consultation.

Future

There are 7 biofuel production pathways (with 11 planned by 2025) which are certified to produce SAF, to perform at operationally equivalent levels to JetA1 fuel^[6]. The development of pathways and technologies to process waste to meet the specification required will be required at an international level. A recent report by Philip New^[7] was an independent report commissioned by the Government to explore the challenges and opportunities for the market.

References

[1] ttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-decarbonisation-plan

[2] ttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy

[3] ttps://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathway-to-net-zero-aviation-developing-the-uk-sustainable-aviation-fuel-mandate

[4] ttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1147350/pathway-to-net-zero-aviation-developing-the-uk-sustainable-aviation-fuel-mandate.pdf

[5] ttps://www.iata.org/en/programs/environment/sustainable-aviation-fuels/

[6] ttps://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/pressroom/fact-sheets/fact-sheet---alternative-fuels/

[7] ttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1150482/developing-a-uk-sustainable-aviation-fuel-industry-independent-report.pdf

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