• The new SAF mandate in the UK is one of the world's first sustainable aviation fuel mandates.
• The government is planning to establish a system for SAF production within the UK.

The UK government's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate comes into force on January 1, 2025, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from air travel by encouraging the wider use of greener fuels.

According to the mandate, at least 2% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK from 2025 must be sustainable. This will gradually increase every year to reach 10% and 22% by 2030 and 2040, respectively.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

SAF is a form of jet fuel made from sustainable sources such as household waste, plant-based materials, and used cooking oil. Unlike conventional fuels, which are predominantly made from fossil fuels, SAF produces up to 70% less carbon emissions when burned, helping to reduce the environmental impact of air travel.

READ MORE: SAF Production Increased but Fell Short of 2024 Projections

The new mandate from the UK government plays a constructive role in the fight against climate change and the transition to cleaner energy sources and consumption. The government plans to use more SAF to decarbonise the aviation industry, a major contributor to carbon emissions in the UK economy.

Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: "UK airlines support the SAF Mandate as both a powerful and practical tool for driving down aviation carbon emissions and a clear signal that the industry is fully committed to a net zero future.

"Our priority is ensuring airlines have access to the increasing volumes of SAF required to meet the mandate as global demand soars, at the most competitive price possible for consumers.

"The UK mandate is ambitious and scaling SAF production will mean further work to expand eligible feedstocks, incentives to help cut costs and, critically, ensuring the design of the revenue certainty mechanism enables the UK to increase production of advanced fuels this decade whilst keeping costs as low as possible, critical for achieving mandate compliance and avoiding supplier buy-out."

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The government is also confident that these achievable goals will help supply about 1.2 million tonnes of SAF to the UK aviation sector annually by 2030.

This goal has several benefits, including creating thousands of new jobs in the UK, positioning it as a clean energy superpower, attracting major investments, and supporting local businesses. However, it also faces challenges, such as ensuring affordable prices and scaling up SAF production.

The mandate is just the beginning as the government prepares for discussions on how to firm up the future course of events to ensure this is not a non-starter.

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Source: UK Government