Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate launched in the UK

The UK has introduced Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate as part of Jet Zero Strategy. The aim is to achieve a target of net zero emissions by 2050. UK aviation emissions peaked in 2019 at 38.2 million tones of CO², the goal is to reduce this to 19.3 by 2050, this is to be achieved by implementing greenhouse gas removal technologies (GGR). The Government believes sustainable aviation fuels are key to achieving net zero targets and to build a thriving UK SAF production industry.

Aer Lingus has signed a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply agreement with Gevo, a U.S. based renewable fuels producer. 19,000 tonnes of sustainable fuel will be produced annually over a five-year period to fuel the airline and to follow a low carbon future. The UK uses 14 billion litres of aviation fuel annually and is set to increase. Transitioning to sustainable fuel will not be easy and many have their doubts about the change, however it is needed to help monitor the climate problem.

The Jet Zero consultation sets out the approach taken to decarbonize the aviation sector focusing on technologies that benefit air travel and maximize the opportunities of decarbonization. Core aims of the mandate; improving the efficiency of our aviation system, accelerating the development of SAF, supporting the development of zero emission flight, using markets and removals to drive down emissions, and influencing consumer behaviors. Modernization of airspace will generate millions for the UK economy with regards to employment and long-term profitability.

How Grease Guardian can help with the transition towards SAF?

In 2019 FOG accounted for 32% of consumed biodiesel and renewable diesel in the European Union and about 2.5% of EU road diesel consumption. 62% of the used cooking oil used for EU biofuel production is imported, three quarters of which comes form Asia. Using waste oil as a feedstock for SAF; for every 2.4Mt of FOG there is a maximum SAF production of 1.2Mt, with a 2.1% increase in demand for this feedstock by 2025.