Ireland has the potential to be a leading location provider for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said.
Willie Walsh was in Dublin last week to address the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
Mr Walsh said there is currently not enough production in Europe, which is forcing most airlines to buy SAF in the US. He said SAF represents a great opportunity for Ireland due to the country’s renewable energy sources.
He said SAF can cater for 65% of the emissions cut needed in the aviation sector by 2050, but production needs to be scaled up.
He said the use of electricity-propelled aircraft and hydrogen fuel are unlikely to make much contribution to emissions reduction by 2050.
