Europe Adopts Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandates From 2025

Key Points

• The European Union has approved mandates requiring that 2% of aviation fuel be sustainable starting in 2025, with targets increasing to 70% by 2050.
• Synthetic fuels, including those from green hydrogen, will need to comprise a growing portion of SAF, starting at 1.2% in 2030.
• European airlines are calling for financial support to meet SAF targets, as production currently meets a small percentage of demand.

Summary

The European Union has enacted mandates for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage, starting with 2% by 2025 and escalating to 70% by 2050, as part of its Fit for 55 program to reduce carbon emissions. The mandates also require synthetic fuels to make up an increasing share of SAF, beginning at 1.2% in 2030. European airlines are seeking financial support to achieve these targets, as SAF production is currently minimal and costly compared to traditional jet fuels.