IATA bemoans slow growth in SAF usage

Friday, 12 Dec, 2024 1

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new estimates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production showing that much needs to be done to reach its ultimate goals.

In 2024, SAF production volumes reached 1 million tons (1.3 billion liters), double the 0.5 million tons (600 million liters) produced in 2023.

SAF accounted for 0.3% of global jet fuel production and 11% of global renewable fuel.

However, this is significantly below previous estimates that projected SAF production in 2024 at 1.5 million tons (1.9 billion liters).

This is because SAF production facilities in the US have pushed back their production ramp up to the first half of 2025.

In 2025, SAF production is expected to reach 2.1 million tons (2.7 billion liters) or 0.7% of total jet fuel production and 13% of global renewable fuel capacity.

“SAF volumes are increasing, but disappointingly slowly. Governments are sending mixed signals to oil companies which continue to receive subsidies for their exploration and production of fossil oil and gas,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Airlines are eager to buy SAF and there is money to be made by investors and companies who see the long-term future of decarbonization. Governments can accelerate progress by winding down fossil fuel production subsidies.

They can replace them with strategic production incentives and clear policies supporting a future built on renewable energies, including SAF,” Walsh added.

“The airline industry’s decarbonization must be seen as part of the global energy transition, not compartmentalized as a transport issue,” added Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist.

To reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, IATA analysis shows that between 3,000 to over 6,500 new renewable fuel plants will be needed.

These will also produce renewable diesel and other fuels for other industries.

The annual average capex needed to build the new facilities over the 30-year period is about $128 billion per year, in a best-case scenario, IATA says.

“Governments must quickly deliver concrete policy incentives to rapidly accelerate renewable energy production” Walsh said.

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