UK Government's Innovative Approach to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
Key Ideas
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a key role in reducing aviation emissions and is immediately usable in existing aircraft.
  • The UK Government has introduced a SAF mandate requiring a minimum proportion of SAF in the aviation fuel mix, with targets set to increase over the years.
  • The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill includes a revenue certainty mechanism (RCM) to support UK SAF production, ensuring a guaranteed price for SAF and funded by a 'polluter pays' principle.
  • Promoting synthetic e-SAF made from air-captured carbon and renewable hydrogen is emphasized for its high sustainability and scalability, crucial for meeting long-term aviation demands.
The UK Government is taking innovative steps to address aviation emissions through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Unlike hydrogen or battery-powered aircraft, SAF can be immediately used in existing aircraft without infrastructure changes. The UK has established a SAF mandate, gradually increasing the required proportion of SAF in aviation fuel. To support domestic SAF production, a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill with a revenue certainty mechanism (RCM) has been introduced. The RCM ensures a guaranteed price for SAF, funded by a levy on fuel suppliers following the 'polluter pays' principle. Synthetic e-SAF, derived from air-captured carbon and renewable hydrogen, is highlighted for its high decarbonization potential and sustainability. Roger Tyers from T&E UK praises the SAF bill and emphasizes the importance of supporting e-SAF production to meet sustainability goals and boost the UK's energy security, economy, and job market. The UK's focus on e-SAF aligns with upcoming airline mandates in the UK and EU, aiming to drive demand for this sustainable alternative. Over 130 organizations have urged the government to allocate RCM support to e-SAF projects to secure a 'first mover' advantage and enhance energy security. By promoting e-SAF production, the UK aims to reduce its reliance on imported jet fuel and meet both domestic and international SAF demands, ensuring a sustainable aviation future.
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