The aviation industry is facing significant challenges in meeting its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets, warns Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Speaking at an IATA media day in Geneva on Tuesday, Walsh emphasized that the industry is not progressing as quickly as needed to achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Currently, SAF accounts for only around 0.3 percent of the world's jet fuel usage, a figure projected to rise to just 0.7 percent by 2025, according to IATA data.
An IATA study revealed that global production of green jet fuel in 2024 was a mere 1 metric ton, falling short of the previous year's projection of 1.5 metric tons. Walsh attributed this shortfall to the limited number of biorefineries under construction, many of which require substantial capital investment.
To address this issue, IATA plans to launch a new project next year aimed at better tracking global SAF initiatives, enhancing transparency regarding the sector's progress.
Walsh also pointed out that Europe is trailing behind the United States in creating incentives to boost investment in SAF production facilities. The 2022 U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has allocated hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies for clean energy, positioning it as a pivotal law in combating climate change.
However, Walsh expressed uncertainty about how the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump might influence the IRA and its impact on ongoing SAF production efforts. He noted, \"There was quite a lot of progress in the first Trump administration in this area as well. So, I don't think this is a black-and-white issue.\"
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Global airlines could miss sustainable fuel targets, says IATA head
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