The British Government has signed its new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate into law, with new levels of how much SAF must be used by airlines set to become effective from January 1.
Initially, SAF will lawfully have to cover 2% of total jet fuel demand in the UK. This will increase to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. It will, thereafter, remain at 22% until there is more clarity surrounding the future supply of SAF.
Also included in the mandate:
• A cap on the feedstocks used in the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) process, but not until other types of SAF are also commercially viable to recognise the important part that HEFA SAF will play in the 2020s. HEFA supply will not be limited under the mandate for the first 2 years, fall to 71% in 2030 and still contribute 35% in 2040.
• A separate obligation on power to liquid fuels from 2028 that reaches 3.5% of total jet fuel demand in 2040.
