IATA STUDY FINDS TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT AS MAIN BARRIER TO SAF SCALE-UP
On 23 September, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published a study titled ‘’ Global Feedstock Assessment for SAF Production Outlook to 2050’’, which confirms that sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock exists to enable the aviation sector to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The report identifies technology deployment and investment in production capacity as the main constraints., rather than feedstock availability.
The study finds that more than 300 million tonnes (Mt) of SAF could be produced annually from biomass by 2050, with an additional 200 Mt from power-to-liquid (PtL) technologies. Currently, commercially scaled SAF production relies primarily on HEFA technology, such as converting used cooking oil. Expanding SAF output will require accelerating the rollout of new technologies, improving conversion efficiencies, and ensuring reliable access to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and carbon capture infrastructure for PtL production.
The report notes the importance of coordinated government policies, prioritisation of feedstock for aviation, and engagement with the energy sector to invest in production capacity and support commercialization. Key regions identified for scaling SAF production include North America, Brazil, Europe, India, China, and ASEAN.
The full study can be accessed here.
Source: IATA