Eight European countries are pushing for more sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) within the European Union to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
SAF is a cleaner substitute for fossil jet fuels. Rather than being refined from petroleum, SAF is produced from sustainable resources such as waste oils from a biological origin, agricultural residues, or non-fossil CO2. It can also be blended with jet fuels up to 50%.
According to the statement, "the current infrastructure at airport level is sufficient so that airlines are not confronted with significant changes to their operations and a blending mandate can be implemented quickly." It's a short term solution to improving the sector's environmental impact, the states conclude.
A European blending mandate for SAF would achieve the required momentum and establish a long-term perspective. It were now up to the Commission to set aside funding and prioritise the matter, the signatories say.
