THE US faces challenges in its plan to rapidly increase the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with producers expressing hesitancy due to low-profit margins for the biofuel and some airlines expressing concerns about the expensive transition, according to experts, reports Reuters.
In 2021, US President Joe Biden, emphasising climate change as a key focus, set a goal of supplying at least three billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030 - a substantial increase from the current 15.8 million gallons, per US government data.
Projections by S&P Global Commodity Insights estimate US SAF production to reach 2.1 billion gallons by 2030 based on upcoming projects.
However, according to Wood Mackenzie analyst Gordon McManus, meeting the three billion gallon target would require significant additional investment.
The importance of SAF is underscored by the US Energy Department, which suggests that alternative sources such as battery technologies and hydrogen are unlikely to substantially reduce aviation emissions before 2050.
S&P Global Commodity Insights representative Corey Lavinsky clarified that the goals are domestic production rather than consumption.
Mr Lavinsky noted that, currently, airlines may opt not to use SAF due to perceived high costs compared to traditional jet fuel.
SeaNews Turkey
In 2021, US President Joe Biden, emphasising climate change as a key focus, set a goal of supplying at least three billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030 - a substantial increase from the current 15.8 million gallons, per US government data.
Projections by S&P Global Commodity Insights estimate US SAF production to reach 2.1 billion gallons by 2030 based on upcoming projects.
However, according to Wood Mackenzie analyst Gordon McManus, meeting the three billion gallon target would require significant additional investment.
The importance of SAF is underscored by the US Energy Department, which suggests that alternative sources such as battery technologies and hydrogen are unlikely to substantially reduce aviation emissions before 2050.
S&P Global Commodity Insights representative Corey Lavinsky clarified that the goals are domestic production rather than consumption.
Mr Lavinsky noted that, currently, airlines may opt not to use SAF due to perceived high costs compared to traditional jet fuel.
SeaNews Turkey