European Commission Announces Global Support for SAF
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European Commission Announces Global Support for SAF

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Emilio Aristegui By Emilio Aristegui | Junior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Fri, 05/26/2023 - 17:34

The European Commission will support the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through numerous initiatives, as Mexican airlines purchase this fuel to reach their net-zero emissions goals. 

The European Commission will support SAF through the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels program (ACT-SAF), in alignment with the European Green Deal's commitment to assist partner countries in their decarbonization efforts. The project will provide EU€4 million (US$4.29 million) in funding to selected countries, with the aim of increasing SAF production, conduct feasibility studies and support fuel certification, explained ICAO via a press release. 

ICAO and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) explained that the project involves 12 partner states: Cameroon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. However, both organizations say that the list of partner states may expand in the future.

Adina Vălean, European Commissioner for Transport, highlighted that the impact of SAF in the market is crucial and will create over 200,000 additional jobs within the EU and other partner countries. Scaling up their production is expected to expand their benefits. The European Union stressed its commitment to support its partners in their decarbonization efforts and to ensure that no country is left behind during the transition to a new era in global aviation.

Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General, ICAO, highlighted that a global consensus for concrete actions to achieve sustainable international air connectivity has been reached and that access to cleaner energy sources, such as sustainable aviation fuels, is vital to reach the global long-term goal. Salazar also highlighted the importance of all states in developing new production and distribution capabilities.

The "Capacity Building for Sustainable Aviation Fuels eligible under CORSIA and in support of achieving net zero emissions by 2050" project marks a significant milestone for a more sustainable aviation sector, as sustainable aviation fuels offer immense potential to decarbonize the aviation industry. The European Union has already introduced the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation to promote the increased use of SAF.

Mexican ultra-low-cost airline, Viva Aerobus, recently closed an agreement for the purchase of 1 million L of SAF with oil refining company Neste. The airline aims to reduce its carbon emissions and grow in the domestic and international markets. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel claims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. The airline explained that the SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel and will power flights from the Los Angeles International Airport, California, to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, as reported by MBN. 

Photo by:   Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

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