SAF accounted for 0.6% of EU aviation fuel in 2024: EASA

Sustainable aviation fuel made up 0.6% of all aviation fuel supplied at European Union airports in 2024, equivalent to 193,000 mt, according to the first ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report published Oct. 22 by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The SAF supplied helped avoid around 714,000 mt of CO2 emissions, comparable to roughly 10,000 flights between Madrid and Paris, EASA said.

"This first Annual Technical Report marks an important milestone and makes clear that the EU has taken important first steps," said Maria Rueda, EASA's director for safety management, strategy and global outreach.

"A functioning reporting system is now in place, initial reporting compliance levels are solid, and SAF delivery is happening across multiple member states."

From this year, suppliers at designated EU airports have been required to meet a 2% SAF blending mandate under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation.

Concentrated supply, imported feedstock

Last year, 25 suppliers provided SAF to 33 EU airports across 12 member states, though five countries -- France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Germany -- accounted for 99% of the total SAF supplied.

Nearly all SAF supplied was biofuel, derived mainly from used cooking oil (81%) and waste animal fats (17%), while synthetic fuels were absent from the mix, indicating the technology remains in early development stages.

About 69% of feedstocks were imported, led by China (38%) and Malaysia (12%), while Finland was the largest EU-based supplier at 10%.

The report found that the average SAF price in 2024 was Eur2,085/mt, nearly three times the Eur734/mt average for conventional jet fuel.

EASA noted that SAF prices reflect feedstock and production costs but exclude blending, distribution, and profit margins for downstream suppliers.

Production outlook

EASA's assessment shows the EU remains on track to meet its 2030 mandatory blending target of 6%, though scaling up synthetic fuel capacity will be crucial. No synthetic SAF projects had reached final investment decision as of 2024.

Compliance reporting was strong in the inaugural year, with 67% of fuel suppliers and 74% of aircraft operators submitting data. Full participation will be required for 2025 reporting to verify adherence to the 2% SAF target.

The ReFuelEU Aviation regulation (EU 2023/2405), part of the bloc's Fit for 55 package, mandates a gradual rise in SAF use reaching 70% by 2050, including a 35% share of synthetic fuels as part of the EU's broader effort to decarbonize aviation and cut emissions 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels.

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, assessed European SAF-jet fuel spread at $1,362.57/mt on Oct. 21.