Commercial aviation contributes approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Because battery and hydrogen aircraft remain restricted to short regional flights for decades, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—certified under ASTM D7566—serves as the only viable technical pathway to achieve net-zero commercial aviation by 2050.
Regulatory Driver: ReFuelEU Aviation Mandate
Under ReFuelEU Aviation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2405), aviation fuel suppliers must supply SAF starting at 2% in 2025, scaling to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035, and 70% by 2050. US airlines benefit from IRA Section 40B/45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit providing up to $1.75 per gallon.
1. Technical Production Pathways Under ASTM D7566
HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids): Currently >90% of commercial SAF supply, delivering up to 80% life-cycle GHG reduction. PtL/e-Kerosene: Captured CO2 and green hydrogen via Fischer-Tropsch, offering up to 95%+ life-cycle reduction. ATJ (Alcohol-to-Jet): From cellulosic ethanol, 50% blend limit.
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2. Corporate Book-and-Claim Accounting
Companies purchase SAF environmental attributes (Scope 3 Category 6 emission reduction certificates) via RSB and SABA frameworks while physical fuel is uplifted at nearest participating hub.
3. References
- ASTM International: ASTM D7566: Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons.
- ICAO: CORSIA Eligible Fuels and Life Cycle Assessment Methodology.
- European Parliament: Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 (ReFuelEU Aviation).
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