UK Launches Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate by 2025

Key players in Europe's aviation industry have proposed seven measures to stimulate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production as part of a dedicated EU strategy, highlighting the need for policies to avoid reliance on imports and maintain competitiveness. In the UK, a new SAF Mandate will require suppliers to incorporate increasing amounts of SAF into jet fuel, starting at 2% in 2025 and rising to 22% by 2040, aiming to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh International Airport is looking to develop a $1.5 billion SAF production plant, fueled by coalbed methane, which could create thousands of jobs and contribute to regional decarbonization efforts, supported by the state's new energy plan. However, the push for airport expansions, like the proposed third runway at Heathrow, raises concerns from environmentalists regarding increased flights and emissions, challenging the commitment to sustainability. Critics argue that without a comprehensive plan to assess the aviation sector's climate impact, such expansions could undermine net-zero goals. The aviation industry's reliance on SAF as a decarbonization strategy is viewed with skepticism, given the ongoing challenges in the sector's emissions reduction efforts.