Sustainable Aviation Fuels:
A 30,000 Foot Perspective
Chapter 5
Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
Section 5.4
RefuelEU Aviation: Europe's Pathway to SAFs

ReFuelEU Aviation, part of the European Green Deal, aims to increase SAF uptake in Europe through blending mandates and infrastructure upgrades. It sets sustainability standards for SAF certification, offers financial incentives to offset production costs, and ensures global compatibility with initiatives like CORSIA through rigorous monitoring and reporting.

ReFuelEU Aviation emerges as Europe’s strategic regulatory framework, conceived by the European Commission, to advance the uptake of SAFs and steer the aviation sector towards EU’s climate objectives as part of the European Green Deal and ‘Fit for 55’ package.

Mandatory SAF Blending and Infrastructure Upgrades:

  • Blending Mandates: A phased mandate for fuel suppliers to blend increasing proportions of SAF with conventional jet fuels at EU airports.
  • Infrastructure Adaptation: Regulations to enhance and adapt fueling infrastructure for the expanding SAF supply.

Criteria for SAF Certification:

Sustainability Standards: Stipulations for SAFs to satisfy comprehensive lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction criteria and sustainability benchmarks to mitigate ecological and social impacts.

EU flag in front of airliner

Economic Incentives for SAF Market Growth:

Financial Support Mechanisms: Potential tax benefits and subsidies designed to offset the higher costs of SAF production and utilization.

Conformity with International Norms and MRV Protocols:

  • Global Compatibility: Efforts to harmonize with international initiatives, ensuring EU’s regulations augment worldwide commitments like CORSIA.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Rigorous MRV requirements for the tracking and reporting of SAF volumes by airlines and fuel providers, ensuring transparency.

ReFuelEU Aviation orchestrates a holistic approach to diminish aviation’s carbon footprint. By setting clear-cut targets and legislating a definite pathway, it promotes innovation in SAF production and technologies, echoing EU’s dedication to a sustainable future for the aviation industry.