Global production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is expected to reach a significant milestone in 2024. According to the latest forecasts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this production is expected to triple, reaching 1.875 billion liters.
In 2023, SAF volumes had already shown notable growth, exceeding 600 million liters, which represented double the amount produced in the previous year, as reported in a document dated December 6.
It is interesting to note that, last year, SAF made up 3% of the total renewable fuels produced, with the remaining 97% destined for other sectors. By 2024, SAF production is projected to represent 0.53% of aviation fuel needs and 6% of total renewable fuel capacity. Furthermore, SAF's small share of renewable fuels is due to new capacity in 2023, focused on other types.
Willie Walsh, director of IATA, highlighted the growth of SAF: production doubled in 2023, tripled in 2024, but its share increases from 3% to 6%. He highlighted that this limited allocation restricts the supply of SAF, keeping prices high. Walsh emphasized the need for aviation to obtain between 25% to 30% of SAF-dedicated renewable fuel production capacity to achieve net-zero carbon emissions targets by 2050. “We will continue to miss major opportunities to advance the decarbonization of aviation until we achieve these levels,” he added.
Walsh urged governments to prioritize policies to expand SAF production and diversify raw materials, including local ones.
Source: Oils & Fats International
