Page 26 - European Energy Innovation magazine - spring 2023 edition

Spring 2023 European Energy Innovation
26 SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS

Time to take off – eFuels as a

backbone of climate-friendly

air transport

By Ralf Diemer (pictured), Managing Director, eFuel Alliance

Engines are becoming more efficient, aircraft more
aerodynamic, materials lighter – circularity and savings are the
be-all and end-all for lasting climate protection. So far, the
aviation sector is largely unregulated, the use of paraffin has no
alternative. However, the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
could already significantly protect the climate today.

00 airports, almost rates – note that this requires no
30,000 aircraft, 370 technological adaptation or changes
million passengers on the in infrastructure, aircraft or turbines.
5move, billions of parcels But its use is in its initial stages and
transported – and the trend is planned quotas, which are supposed
rising. The European aviation sector to provide investment incentives, are
is a fundamental pillar of our not ambitious enough.
economic power and a backbone
for the transport sector. Aviation is The Commission plans to have such
becoming increasingly important, quotas come into force from 2025
but it must also become increasingly and start at 2%. Accompanying the
clean. In mid-2021, the European ramp-up, the quotas are to rise to
Commission presented ReFuelEU 5% in 2030, 32% in 2040 and 63% in
Aviation, a proposal dealing with 2050. Corresponding sub-quotas for
the defossilisation of aviation. synthetic fuels, i.e. eFuels, will start
The legislative process is already at 0.7% in 2030 and climb to 28%
advanced: The proposal is currently by 2050. Various European member
being discussed by the Commission, states, including Germany, have
Council and Parliament in trilogue. already introduced such quotas.
Different projects show that the use
The directive requires member states of SAF is attractive for passengers as
to implement mandatory blending well as for airlines.
quotas of Sustainable Aviation
Fuels (SAF). SAF combine all types How quickly the development of an
of sustainable, renewable fuels – SAF industry and thus the ramp-up
i.e. biofuels as well as synthetic of sustainable fuels such as eFuels
fuels (eFuels) – and these can be will be rolled out depends strongly on
easily used thanks to their “drop- the political will. Because the industry
in” capability. This is direct climate is waiting in the wings. A prominent
protection that remains affordable example is the collaboration between
for the industry as well as for private Neste and Coldplay. The fuel
individuals due to the increasing manufacturer is supplying the band
blending quotas. Today's aircraft with SAF in order to reduce the CO
2
turbe technology and certification emissions of their world tour by 50%.
already allow very high blending Furthermore, Nordic Electrofuels

www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu