a panel discussion at the summit, Brnjac emphasized the need for increased investment, innovation, and regulatory support to accelerate SAF production. She highlighted that despite the EU’s commitment to reducing aviation emissions, the industry faces significant challenges in scaling up SAF production to meet long-term sustainability targets.
One of the primary challenges in achieving the EU’s ambitious SAF targets is the limited availability of raw materials. Sustainable aviation fuel is typically derived from feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal fats, agricultural residues, and synthetic processes using captured carbon and green hydrogen. However, these resources are not yet produced at a scale that meets global aviation demands.
Furthermore, SAF remains significantly more expensive than conventional jet fuel. According to industry experts, the cost of SAF can be up to five times higher than fossil-based aviation fuel, making it less attractive for airlines that already operate on thin profit margins. Without adequate financial incentives or subsidies, airlines may struggle to integrate SAF into their fuel supply at the required rates.
Another challenge is the need for new infrastructure and refineries. Existing refineries are primarily designed to process fossil fuels, and adapting them for SAF production requires major investments. Policymakers at the summit called for increased collaboration between governments, investors, and fuel producers to expand production capacity and reduce costs.
Under the EU’s “ReFuelEU Aviation” initiative, airlines must blend at least 2% SAF into their fuel supply by 2025, with gradual increases to reach 70% by 2050. While this mandate is expected to drive demand for SAF, industry stakeholders argue that more policy support is needed to ensure sufficient supply.
Nikolina Brnjac and other policymakers stressed the importance of regulatory certainty and long-term commitments from both public and private sectors. She urged EU member states to introduce incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and grants to accelerate the development of SAF refineries.
EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean, who also spoke at the summit, emphasized that a coordinated European approach is essential. “The transition to sustainable aviation must be a shared effort. Governments, airlines, and fuel producers must work together to overcome financial and logistical barriers,” she said.
To address the challenges of SAF production, several European energy companies and airlines are investing in research and development. Companies like Neste, TotalEnergies, and BP are already working on expanding SAF production, while airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, and Ryanair have signed long-term agreements to purchase SAF.
Some industry experts suggest that synthetic e-fuels, which are produced using captured carbon and renewable energy, could provide a long-term solution. However, these fuels are still in the early stages of development and require further investment.
The slow progress in SAF production presents a significant hurdle to the EU’s climate goals for aviation. While ambitious mandates and regulatory frameworks have been put in place, more investment, innovation, and policy support will be necessary to scale up SAF production and achieve the 70% target by 2050. With cooperation between governments, fuel producers, and airlines, sustainable aviation fuels could play a crucial role in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint and making air travel more environmentally friendly.
