The European Commission has provided key insights into the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) market with a newly published report assessing its development. The report evaluates the SAF flexibility mechanism and suggests improvements to enhance traceability and regulatory compliance under ReFuelEU Aviation. Additionally, a comprehensive FAQ has been released to help stakeholders navigate the implementation of the regulation.
Advancing SAF Flexibility and Market Growth
ReFuelEU Aviation is a cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to decarbonize air transport, mandating a gradual increase in SAF use. The industry is progressing well, with the first milestone 2 % SAF share in aviation fuel by 2025 expected to be met, and work is underway to achieve the 6% target for 2030.
A flexibility mechanism has been introduced to support SAF scale-up, allowing fuel suppliers to average their blending obligations across EU airports until 2035. According to the report, this mechanism, alongside the expansion of SAF production capacity in the EU, is accelerating progress, reducing the need for additional complex flexibility measures.
A key focus of the report is improving SAF traceability and transparency. Strengthening tracking mechanisms will build confidence in SAF transactions and enhance market stability. The European Union’s Union Database for Biofuels (UDB) is already playing a role in this effort, with further refinements planned to improve oversight, particularly concerning SAF availability and pricing.
Easing Administrative Burdens to Boost SAF Adoption
The report also highlights the importance of reducing regulatory complexity for fuel suppliers and airlines. While compliance measures are essential, excessive administrative requirements can slow SAF adoption. The Commission is working on simplifying reporting obligations, ensuring that sustainability goals are met without unnecessary operational burdens.
Additionally, cost-effective SAF deployment remains a top industry priority. The planned assessment of SAF accounting mechanisms—including the potential for virtual trading of SAF certificates—could provide greater flexibility for companies while maintaining environmental integrity.
Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas underlined the importance of these developments:
“ReFuelEU Aviation sets European air transport on a solid path to decarbonization. It improves the tracking of sustainable aviation fuels, simplifies reporting obligations, and strengthens the verification mechanism. These improvements address industry concerns, strengthen the EU SAF market, and support the transition to sustainable aviation.”
Strategic Investments to Drive SAF Expansion
Looking ahead, the Commission will continue monitoring SAF market developments, focusing on advanced biofuels and synthetic aviation fuels. The evolution of SAF accounting mechanisms, including book-and-claim systems, is also under review to provide further transparency and flexibility.
A significant milestone on the horizon is the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, set for release in 2025. This initiative will outline a strategic approach to financing decarbonization efforts, including targeted investments in SAF production and infrastructure. By prioritizing projects that accelerate emissions reductions, the plan aims to provide long-term support for the aviation sector’s sustainability transition.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s latest report brings much-needed clarity to ReFuelEU Aviation, affirming the effectiveness of the SAF flexibility mechanism while identifying key areas for improvement. Enhancing traceability, easing administrative burdens, and securing strategic investments will be critical in ensuring a smooth transition toward higher SAF adoption.
With growing regulatory momentum and increasing production capacity, stakeholders in the aviation industry must proactively adapt to these evolving requirements. By embracing SAF solutions and aligning with the latest policy developments, the sector can continue making meaningful strides toward a more sustainable future for air travel.