Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in France

 

 Sustainable Energy 

 Sustainable Aviation Fuel  

4 minutes read

Introduction Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in France

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an alternative to traditional jet fuel that is derived from renewable sources, such as biomass, waste oils, and agricultural residues. 

SAF offers several environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality compared to conventional jet fuel. 

France, like many other countries, recognizes the importance of transitioning to more sustainable aviation practices to mitigate the impact of air travel on climate change.

In recent years, France has been actively promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce its aviation sector's carbon footprint. The French government has set ambitious targets to increase the use of SAF in the country. One of the primary goals is to achieve a 2% blend of SAF in all jet fuel consumed in France by 2025, with a further target of 5% by 2030. These targets are part of the wider European Union's strategy to promote the use of SAF in aviation.

To support the development and production of sustainable aviation fuel, France has implemented various measures. This includes providing financial incentives, such as tax exemptions and credits, to encourage investment in SAF production facilities. The government has also established partnerships with industry stakeholders, research institutions, and airlines to accelerate the deployment of SAF.

Furthermore, France has been actively participating in international collaborations and initiatives to advance SAF technology and increase its availability. For instance, the country is part of the "Green Skies of Europe" initiative, which aims to promote the use of SAF across European airports.

In addition to policy support, France is also investing in research and innovation to develop new and more efficient methods of producing SAF. Several research institutions and companies in the country are exploring innovative pathways, such as advanced biofuels and synthetic fuels, to further enhance the sustainability and scalability of SAF production.

By promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuel, France is taking significant steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its aviation sector and achieving its climate goals. The country's commitment to SAF underscores its dedication to sustainable development and its role in the global transition towards a greener aviation industry.

Fact and data for Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in France

Here are some facts and data related to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF):

Environmental Benefits: SAF has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. It can achieve carbon emissions reductions of up to 80% over the lifecycle, including production, transport, and combustion.

Blending Targets: Many countries and regions have set blending targets to increase the use of SAF. For example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a target of 2% of global aviation fuel to be SAF by 2025. The European Union has set a goal of 10% SAF by 2030.

Feedstock Diversity: SAF can be produced from various sustainable feedstocks, including biomass, waste oils, agricultural residues, and even carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. This allows for flexibility in sourcing and reduces dependency on fossil fuels.

Certification Standards: There are recognized certification standards for SAF, such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). These standards ensure that SAF is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Cost and Availability: Currently, the production of SAF is more expensive compared to conventional jet fuel due to limited production facilities and economies of scale. However, as production scales up and technologies improve, the cost of SAF is expected to decrease and become more commercially viable.

Industry Collaboration: Airlines, airports, fuel producers, and governments are collaborating to advance the development and adoption of SAF. Partnerships, research initiatives, and funding programs aim to accelerate SAF production and increase its availability.

Global SAF Production: According to the IATA, the global production of SAF was approximately 100 million liters in 2020. This represented less than 0.1% of total aviation fuel consumption. However, investments and commitments from various stakeholders are expected to increase SAF production capacity significantly in the coming years.

Incentives and Policies: Governments around the world are implementing policies and incentives to promote the use of SAF. These include tax exemptions, subsidies, loan guarantees, and regulatory frameworks to support SAF production, infrastructure, and uptake by airlines.

The field of sustainable aviation fuel is rapidly evolving, and newer data and developments may have emerged since then.

Company who support Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in France

Several companies in France are actively supporting and investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives. 

Here are a few examples:

TotalEnergies: TotalEnergies, a major energy company, has been involved in the production and supply of SAF. They have partnered with various stakeholders to develop SAF production facilities in France and other countries. TotalEnergies aims to produce 10% of the SAF consumed in Europe by 2030.

Air France: Air France has shown a commitment to SAF by actively participating in SAF initiatives. The airline has conducted SAF-powered flights and collaborated with SAF producers to increase the availability of sustainable aviation fuel.

Airbus: Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer, has been actively exploring and promoting sustainable aviation solutions, including SAF. They have collaborated with various partners to develop and test alternative fuels, contributing to the advancement of SAF technologies.

Safran: Safran, a global aerospace and defense company, is investing in SAF research and development. They are working on improving aircraft engines' compatibility with SAF and exploring innovative ways to produce sustainable aviation fuel.

TotalEnergies, Safran, and Airbus Collaboration: These three companies joined forces in a partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of SAF in France. Their collaboration aims to promote the use of SAF in aviation and contribute to reducing the industry's environmental impact.

Aéroports de Paris (ADP): ADP, the operator of Paris airports, has taken steps to support SAF adoption. They have established partnerships with SAF producers and are working on implementing infrastructure to facilitate the use of sustainable aviation fuel at airports in France.

These are just a few examples of companies supporting sustainable aviation fuel in France. Other stakeholders, including fuel producers, research institutions, and startups, are also actively engaged in advancing SAF technologies and its adoption in the aviation sector.

Conclusion for Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in France

France is actively promoting and supporting the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation sector. 

The country has set ambitious targets for blending SAF with conventional jet fuel, aiming for a 2% blend by 2025 and 5% by 2030. These targets align with broader European Union objectives to increase the use of SAF.

France has implemented various measures to facilitate SAF production and uptake. This includes providing financial incentives, establishing partnerships with industry stakeholders, and participating in international collaborations. The government has also invested in research and innovation to develop new and more efficient methods of producing SAF.

Key companies such as TotalEnergies, Air France, Airbus, and Safran are actively involved in supporting SAF initiatives in France. They are investing in SAF research, development, and production, collaborating with partners, and exploring innovative solutions to increase the availability and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

These collective efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the aviation industry in France. By promoting SAF, France is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable aviation practices and demonstrating its commitment to a greener and more sustainable future for air travel.