The European Union, or EU, has committed €4 million ($4.3 million) to support the production and uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), a key component of its “Fit for 55” climate package.
The funding aims to help close the significant price gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel, which can be up to six times more expensive.
This commitment is part of the larger ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which mandates a phased ramp-up of SAF usage across the bloc.
Starting in 2025, a minimum of 2% of aviation fuel supplied at EU airports must be SAF. This requirement will increase gradually, reaching 6% by 2030 and a target of 70% by 2050. The regulation also includes a sub-mandate for synthetic aviation fuels (e-fuels), which must comprise 0.7% of the fuel mix by 2030 and 35% by 2050.
The new rules apply to all flights departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline. They also include financial penalties for fuel suppliers who fail to meet the mandatory quotas and measures to prevent “fuel tankering,” the practice of carrying excess fuel to avoid refueling with more expensive SAF.
