EU sets ambitious targets for sustainable aviation fuels to combat climate change

The aviation industry has been under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, and the European Union has taken a significant step towards meeting its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050 by reaching a provisional deal on RefuelEU Aviation rules.

The deal, which was agreed on Tuesday between the European Parliament and Council negotiators, aims to increase the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels at EU airports, starting from 2025.

Sustainable aviation fuels, also known as green fuels, are fuels that are made from renewable resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels. According to the deal, the term ‘sustainable aviation fuels’ will include synthetic fuels, certain biofuels produced from agricultural or forestry residues, algae, bio-waste, used cooking oil or certain animal fats, and recycled jet fuels produced from waste gases and waste plastic.

The deal excludes feed and food crop-based fuels and fuels derived from palm and soy materials, as they do not meet the sustainability criteria. However, renewable hydrogen has been included as part of a sustainable fuel mix, a promising technology that could contribute to the decarbonisation of air transport in the future.

Under the deal, the minimum share of sustainable aviation fuels to be made available at EU airports will be set at 2% from 2025, with this share increasing every five years: 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035, 34% in 2040, 42% in 2045, and 70% in 2050. Additionally, a specific proportion of the fuel mix (1.2% in 2030, 2% in 2032, 5% in 2035, and progressively reaching 35% in 2050) must comprise synthetic fuels like e-kerosene.

Furthermore, to promote the decarbonising of the aviation sector, MEPs have ensured that as of 2025, there will be an EU label for the environmental performance of flights. Airlines will be able to market their flights with a label indicating the expected carbon footprint per passenger and the expected CO2 efficiency per kilometre. This will allow passengers to compare the environmental performance of flights operated by different companies on the same route.

The deal also includes a provision directing all revenues from non-compliance fines from airlines, airports, or fuel suppliers to research and innovation into bridging the price difference between sustainable and conventional fuels.

One of the biggest challenges in implementing the deal is the availability and scalability of sustainable aviation fuels. The current production capacity of green fuels is insufficient to meet the targets set by the deal, and there is a need for significant investment in the development of new technologies and infrastructure.

The informal deal still needs to be approved by the Council Committee of Permanent Representatives and Parliament’s Transport and Tourism committee, and then the Council and Parliament as a whole. However, the agreement is a significant step towards the decarbonisation of the aviation industry, and could have a positive impact on the environment and help the EU to achieve its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.