Sustainable Aviation Fuels:
A 30,000 Foot Perspective
Chapter 1
Overview of the Current Aviation Landscape
Table of Contents

SAF PATH PROMOTION

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Section 1.2
Aviation Decarbonization Efforts

Key Takeawy: The global push for decarbonization is significantly impacting the aviation industry, which faces increased regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainable practices. While this poses challenges, such as potential higher costs and the need for technological innovation, it also presents opportunities for new industry and energy security.

Global Movement Toward Decarbonization

The international push for decarbonization is revolutionizing industries, driven by global dialogues, public demand, and technological advancements. As a significant source of global emissions, aviation faces increasing pressure to align with these transformative trends.

Key Drivers of Decarbonization:

  • Emission Awareness: A worldwide increase in emissions consciousness is prompting industries to adopt cleaner practices.
  • International Agreements: Commitments like the Paris Agreement establish ambitious emission reduction targets.
  • Technological Innovations: Developments in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies offer new avenues for industry adaptation.
  • Investment Shifts: Financial trends favoring sustainability are influencing corporate strategies.
  • Consumer Pressure: The rising demand for low-carbon products is reshaping market offerings.

Aviation’s Regulatory Challenges and Responses

The aviation sector is navigating a surge of regulatory mandates amidst a global shift towards sustainability, driven by governments, international organizations, environmental groups, and public opinion.

Central to many regulatory discussions is the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global temperature increase to below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C. The “net zero by 2050” blueprint, emerging from this accord, has been widely adopted, signaling the need for sectors like aviation to significantly reduce carbon emissions.black and white illustration of oil rig pump

Global and National Aviation Sustainability Commitments:

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): As the UN’s aviation branch, ICAO plays a key role in setting industry standards. Its CORSIA initiative, introduced in 2016, aims to reduce emissions from international flights by 2.5 billion metric tons by 2035[14].

  • European Union (EU): The EU’s European Green Deal targets climate neutrality by 2050, with a specific aim to reduce aviation greenhouse gas emissions by 55% within the same timeframe[15].
  • United States: The EPA has implemented policies to decrease aircraft greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on fuel efficiency and stricter emission standards[16].
  • China: Committed to reducing aviation carbon emissions by 2% annually from 2016 to 2035, China is also investing heavily in SAF research and production[17].

These regulatory developments are reshaping aviation, prompting airlines to explore cutting-edge technologies and alternative fuels like SAFs. Although this transformation may lead to increased operational costs and potentially higher airfares, it also presents significant opportunities for businesses in sustainable aviation solutions