Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Overcoming Challenges in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Air Travel

As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a viable near-to-medium-term solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While electric and hydrogen aircraft remain in development, SAF provides an immediate pathway to lowering emissions, complementing long-term strategies for a cleaner aviation sector.

SAF is already being integrated into airport fuel supplies, with production capacity expected to exceed 600 million gallons per year by the end of 2022 and grow to 2.6 billion gallons by 2026. Leading airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Helsinki, and Singapore have incorporated SAF into their fuel supply chains. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with policies such as the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation initiative mandating increased SAF blending from 5% in 2030 to 63% by 2050.

However, two key challenges remain: cost and supply constraints. SAF is more expensive than conventional jet fuel, partly due to market competition with sustainable diesel fuel, which is produced in the same facilities. Financial incentives and mandates—similar to those driving sustainable diesel production—are necessary to expand SAF supply and make it economically viable.

Building Momentum
Regulatory measures are helping drive SAF adoption. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) includes SAF in its credit system, reducing its cost premium. In Europe, the Renewable Energy Directive supports SAF use, with countries like the Netherlands leading production through initiatives by Shell Aviation and SkyNRG. Meanwhile, Norway, Sweden, and France have mandated a 1% SAF blend in all aviation fuel, supported by facilities such as Neste’s in Rotterdam and Preem’s in Sweden.

Leading airlines and airports are also taking action. At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), United Airlines uses SAF from World Energy’s biorefinery. Similarly, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a coalition of airlines, energy companies, and government entities advocating for SAF expansion.

Scaling Up Production
SAF is derived from renewable feedstocks such as waste oils, forestry residues, and algae. It meets stringent global fuel quality standards, allowing it to be blended with conventional fuel using existing infrastructure. Current production facilities include Amyris in Brazil (using sugar cane), Red Rock in Oregon (forestry residues), and Fulcrum in Nevada (municipal solid waste). New facilities planned in China, the U.S., and Canada will further expand SAF capacity.

Today, global sustainable fuel production stands at approximately 260 million gallons annually, with SAF representing a small but growing share. As demand rises, investment in production and supply chain logistics will be critical.

Toward Widespread SAF Adoption
For SAF to become a mainstream alternative to fossil-based jet fuel, incentives and regulatory measures must align to lower costs and boost production. The aviation sector must leverage existing supply chains while expanding capacity, blending SAF with conventional fuel at refineries, terminals, and airports.

As governments, airlines, and energy companies work together, SAF can help transition the aviation industry toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Strategic investments today will ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for air travel.