Many of us are now returning from the summer holidays and chances are we have flown around the world, or at least to a neighbouring country, to enjoy our vacation. With the aviation industry aiming for net-zero emissions, it is likely that we will be flying in planes powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) instead of today's fossil fuels by 2050.
Given the current technical limitations of alternative propulsion systems, e-SAF (SAF produced from renewable electricity) remains essential to defossilise aviation, especially long-haul flights. The rapid expansion of e-SAF production must now be driven by industry and investors, once the appropriate policy framework is in place. This will require a comprehensive strategy that addresses all aspects of e-SAF production, including renewable energy generation and sustainable carbon sourcing.
Policy makers are urged to adopt comprehensive regulatory packages and ensure international cooperation to facilitate the transition to e-SAF. Only by addressing both CO2 and non-CO2 impacts and promoting the rapid development and deployment of e-SAF can the aviation sector make significant progress towards meeting its climate change objectives and ensuring sustainable aviation.
To provide a solid basis for this crucial discussion, we have produced a comprehensive study on the current state of technology and policy for the global defossilisation of aviation. You can find this study and other news from the PtX Hub over the last few months in this issue of RE:PtX. Enjoy the read.
Torsten Schwab and Frank Mischler, Directors of the International Power-to-X Hub |