Fuel
Report Sees Minimal Role for SAF in Cutting Emissions
Carbon Tracker urges investment in electric propulsion for short-haul flights
SAF at Munich Airport
Carbon Tracker’s latest report downplays expectations for increased use of sustainable aviation fuel before 2030. © Munich Airport

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will make only a marginal contribution to reducing aircraft emissions before 2030, according to a new report published on October 30 by Carbon Tracker. The UK-based independent financial think tank’s “Fuel Disclosure” report concluded that alternatives to jet-A are “unlikely to make a significant dent” in emissions this decade.

The group’s analysts concluded that high costs and limited feedstocks will curtail the impact of SAF. “Even if all existing, under development, and announced projects operate at full capacity, [SAF] production would only supply around 5% of global jet fuel demand and meet less than half of the expected growth in total jet fuel consumption,” Carbon Tracker concluded.