The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached a deal on new legislation requiring aviation fuel suppliers to provide a minimum share of 70pc sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2050, with a subtarget of 35pc synthetic fuels.

The definition of SAF will include synthetic fuels—including renewable hydrogen and its derivatives—certain biofuels produced from agricultural or forestry residues, algae, bio-waste, used cooking oil or certain animal fats, and recycled jet fuels produced from waste gases and waste plastic. However, it will not include fuels derived from feed or food crops.

SAF supply makes up less than 0.05pc of total EU aviation fuel use.

“Shifting to sustainable aviation fuels will improve our energy security, while reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports” Valean, EU transport commissioner

Jet fuel companies will have to start supplying a 2pc share of SAF in 2025, with the proportion increasing every five years. This includes a share of synthetic fuels at 1.2pc in 2030, rising to 5pc by 2035.

Additionally, by 2025 the EU will label the environmental performance of flights, with the expectation that airlines will indicate to potential customers the expected CO₂ efficiency per km and carbon footprint per passenger.

“This political agreement is a turning point for European aviation, putting it on a solid pathway towards decarbonisation,” says Adina Valean, the European Commissioner for transport. “Shifting to sustainable aviation fuels will improve our energy security, while reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports.”

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Author: Polly Martin