EU flights could use 10% SAF blend by 2030, says report, but only with €120bn backing

A group campaigning for the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel in Europe estimates that production can be scaled up to meet 10% of the bloc’s jet fuel needs by 2030 – although hitting that target will require concerted policy action and come with a price tag of at least E120b over the next 15 years. Members of Clean Skies for Tomorrow (CST) say they support the EU’s SAF blending mandate which is expected to be published by mid-July. Its Guidelines for a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blending Mandate in Europe publication assesses the feasibility of the production ramp-up required and its likely costs. CST suggests that using “tight sustainability criteria” for feedstock, SAF could account for 10% of jet fuel usage in Europe by 2030 “if supported by appropriate and timely measures”. However, the CST asserts that policies, such as a blending mandate that increases over time, must be implemented to create certain future demand for SAF, in order to make the economic case for the investment in production plants. In addition, it says public funding will be necessary to mature new production technologies, plus aviation must be given “preferential access” to “sustainable biomass resources”.<br/>