EU Parliament backs higher SAF targets to speed up decarbonisation

The European Parliament has backed a proposal for more ambitious targets for the share of sustainable fuels in the aviation sector and called for the inclusion of hydrogen in the fuel mix amid efforts to accelerate the bloc’s decarbonisation.

Parliament members on Thursday adopted the so-called ReFuelEU Aviation initiative that enhances an original proposal by the European Commission and is about to start negotiations with member states. According to the Parliament’s position, the minimum share of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that should be made available at EU airports should be 2% from 2025, increasing to 37% in 2040 and 85% by 2050.

The Commission’s original plan called for a 32% share in 2040 and 63% in 2050.

Renewable electricity and green hydrogen were given the green light to be included in the SAF mix, with requirements for airports to have the needed infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling and electric recharging.

Additionally, the Parliament amended the proposed definition of SAF to include recycled carbon fuels produced from waste processing gas and exhaust gas coming from production processes in industrial installations. Members also call for allowing some biofuels produced from animal fats or distillates to be included in the aviation fuel mix for a limited time until 2034, while excluding palm oil and soy-derived fuels.

These compare with the Commission’s proposal for SAF to be limited to synthetic fuels or biofuels produced from agricultural or forestry residues, algae, bio-waste or used cooking oil.

Parliament members also backed the development of an EU labelling system for the environmental performance of aircraft, operators and commercial flights so as to promote green aviation and help consumers in their choices.

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