How Will EASA's New Sustainable Aviation Fuel Approval Boost European SAF?

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved a new SAF pathway approval for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This key regulatory step is vital for increased SAF adoption Europe. The new method uses a novel feedstock conversion process, according to the agency.

This approval marks a significant advance in commercial aviation decarbonization. It helps diversify the sources of alternative jet fuel standards. Until now, the market has relied heavily on Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) fuels. These are mostly made from used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats. The reliance on UCO creates supply constraints and competition with other sectors.

Meeting European Mandates

This new SAF pathway approval directly supports the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. This regulation mandates minimum SAF blending levels. The requirement starts at 2% of total aviation fuel supplied by the end of 2025.

Data from EASA’s 2025 Annual Technical Report showed challenges in meeting these goals. In 2024, only 0.6% of aviation fuel supplied at EU airports was SAF. This amounted to 193 kilotonnes of SAF. The new pathway is essential to bridge this supply gap. It helps the industry meet the 6% blending target set for 2030.

The Novel Technology

The specific details of the novel feedstock conversion process were not immediately disclosed. However, it is expected to involve advanced SAF production technology. This could include pathways like Methanol-to-Jet or Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels. These are crucial for the long-term aviation emissions reduction goals. The ReFuelEU Aviation mandate includes a sub-target for synthetic e-fuels. This sub-target starts at 0.7% by 2030.

New pathways must undergo a rigorous safety qualification process. This is defined by the ASTM D4054 standard. This process ensures the fuel is safe for the existing global aircraft fleet. EASA is involved in this process to meet airworthiness standards.

Industry Impact and Challenges

The approval offers a major opportunity for fuel producers. It opens a new certified route to market. The process to qualify a new fuel pathway can be lengthy. It often takes three to five years and costs millions of euros.

• Opportunity: The new pathway increases feedstock diversity. This is key to scaling production volumes. It reduces dependence on limited waste fats.
• Challenge: SAF remains significantly more expensive than conventional jet fuel. In 2024, the average SAF price was €2,085 per tonne. This compares to €734 per tonne for fossil jet fuel.

The European Aviation Safety Agency is actively working to streamline approvals. The EU SAF Clearing House was established in 2024 to support this goal. This body helps producers navigate the complex certification process. The goal is to accelerate the deployment of various alternative jet fuel standards.

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