As global efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector gain momentum, Spain is emerging as a pivotal player in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. With a recent proposal approved by the country’s Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge Commission, Spain is positioned to take bold steps toward a greener future for air travel.
The proposal calls on the Spanish government to:
- Provide incentives for SAF production
- Fund research and development for new SAF sources
- Establish public-private partnerships to accelerate SAF adoption
- Develop strategies to access waste and biomaterials for SAF feedstock
Meeting Aviation’s Net-Zero Target with SAF
SAF is crucial to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Despite the rapid growth of demand, global SAF supply remains far below necessary levels. In 2024, around 1.5 million tonnes of SAF were produced globally, but by 2050, the industry will need over 400 million tonnes to meet its targets.
In Europe, initiatives like ReFuelEU are setting ambitious mandates to accelerate the shift to SAF. By 2025, European airports will be required to source 2% of their fuel from SAF, a figure set to rise to 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Additionally, from 2030 onwards, 1.2% of fuels must be synthetic e-fuels, which reduce emissions even further. By 2050, this will increase to 35%.
Spain’s Potential for SAF Production
Spain is uniquely positioned to become a major SAF producer, thanks to its abundant renewable resources, including biomass from agricultural waste, forest management, and industrial by-products. Moreover, the country is a leader in renewable energy, with more than 60,000 MW of photovoltaic and wind power installed, further strengthening its ability to produce e-fuels, such as green hydrogen, through renewable means.
Spain’s agricultural prowess also plays a key role. With vast forested areas, leading production of olive oil, extensive pig farming, and the largest vineyard in Europe, the country generates huge amounts of waste suitable for SAF feedstock. These renewable resources could drive the country’s leadership in SAF production while contributing to industrial growth and energy independence.
Public and Private Collaboration for a Greener Future
As noted by Margarita de Gregorio, President of the Spanish Air Transport Sustainability Alliance, public-private partnerships will be instrumental in realizing Spain’s SAF potential. These partnerships will help ensure that Spain’s transition to greater sustainability in air transport also promotes industrialization and resource circularity.
Spain’s proactive approach, backed by its robust renewable infrastructure and agricultural resources, positions it to lead the way in SAF production not only for domestic use but also for export. This would be a significant contribution to Europe’s broader decarbonization goals.
A Step in the Right Direction
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has praised Spain’s Ecological Transition Commission for its forward-thinking proposal. Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe, commended this move as a positive step toward increasing state support for SAF. As Spain continues to develop the necessary tools and strategies for SAF production, it could soon emerge as a net exporter of these fuels, further solidifying its role in the global aviation sustainability landscape.
VURDHAAN: Supporting Sustainable Aviation
At VURDHAAN, we are deeply engaged in advancing sustainability within the aviation sector, particularly through initiatives like CORSIA, ReFuelEU, and the promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). We are actively involved in supporting both public and private organizations as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, and we help them implement effective strategies for SAF adoption. Through our comprehensive three-step approach—Support, Educate, Implement—we ensure that our partners are well-equipped to meet their sustainability goals and contribute to a greener, more sustainable aviation industry.
As Spain positions itself as a leader in SAF production, VURDHAAN is proud to be part of the movement, working with global and regional stakeholders to drive meaningful progress toward aviation’s net-zero future.