High costs and limited feedstock are the key hurdles in the path toward expanding global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, according to a new report from the UK-based Energy Industries Council (EIC).
Despite SAF’s environmental benefits—which in its neat, unblended form can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared with conventional jet fuel—the nascent industry today accounts for less than 1 percent of the total aviation fuel usage. With aviation’s stated ambitions of achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, overcoming challenges such as feedstock access, attracting investment, and the need for governmental policies encouraging SAF production and adoption are crucial.
“While SAF has numerous environmental benefits, its adoption is not without challenges,” stated report author Nabil Ahmed, adding high production costs, two to four times that of traditional jet fuel, alongside the limited availability of scalable feedstocks, present significant hurdles. “With strategic initiatives and enhanced governmental support, including mandates and subsidy mechanisms, we can navigate these challenges effectively.”
According to the EIC report, substantial development is required for SAF to make a meaningful impact, even as countries such as the U.S., UK, Canada, and Japan have all set ambitious goals of 10 percent SAF blend by 2030. Based on more than 100 announced projects, total SAF production by that point could equal 50 million tonnes a year, but reaching that amount will require a strategic focus on feedstock availability and the development of additional SAF pathways.
"The innovative production of SAF, using resources ranging from agricultural waste to the pioneering 'efuels' generated from carbon capture and green hydrogen, is a clear indicator that the sector, with proper investment in this area, stands a clear chance to shift towards sustainability," said Ahmed.