EU Parliament approves code for sustainable aviation fuel use-blueculture

2023/11/20

  • Author Huang Weixuan

  • Image source Shutterstock

Members of the European Parliament ( MEP ) approved the EU Aviation Initiative ( ReFuelEU Aviation ) on September 13 , mandating airlines to use sustainable aviation fuel ( SAF ) . In the future, airlines will have to use a specified minimum proportion of sustainable aviation. Fuel, airports and airlines face fines if they fail to comply with regulations.

MEPs in July 2022 adopted a draft EU Aviation Initiative as part of the sub-plan of Fit for 55 , the EU ’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions by 2030 to levels below 1990 levels Reduce at least 55% compared to baseline and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 .

The EU Aviation Initiative requires EU airports and fuel suppliers to ensure that from 2025 , at least 2% of aviation fuel used is green fuel, and to increase the proportion every five years: to 6% in 2030 , 2035 Increase to 20% , 34% in 2040 , 42% in 2045 , and 70% in 2050 . In addition, these rules also require that a certain proportion of the fuel mix be composed of synthetic fuels, such as e-kerosene and other synthetic fuels. The proportion of synthetic fuels must reach 1.2% in 2030, 2 % in 2032 , 5 % in 2035 , and 5% in 2035. Achieve the 35% target by 2050 .

Caption: The EU Aviation Initiative requires EU airports and fuel suppliers to gradually increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

Under the EU Aviation Initiative, the rules define sustainable aviation fuels as including synthetic fuels, certain biofuels produced from agricultural or forestry residues, algae, biowaste, waste cooking oils or certain animal fats, produced from exhaust gases and exhaust gases. Recycled jet fuel produced from plastics is also included, along with renewable hydrogen, but sustainable aviation fuel produced from feed and food crop feedstocks, including palm and soybean feedstocks, is prohibited from participating in the scheme.

The EU Aviation Initiative also proposes a new labeling system. Starting from 2025 , airlines will be able to put labels on their flights indicating the expected carbon footprint of each passenger and the expected CO2 efficiency per kilometer to display to passengers. Airlines' environmental performance records and use of sustainable aviation fuel allow consumers to make greener choices.

Once approved by the European Council, the new rules will apply from January 1 , 2024 , with some provisions from January 1 , 2025 .blueculture