EU Proposes New Law to Reduce Aviation Emissions
The European Commission has recently proposed a new law aimed at reducing aviation emissions and promoting sustainable aviation fuels. This proposal, known as ReFuelEU Aviation, will require fuel suppliers to blend sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with kerosene in increasing amounts from 2025.
Understanding ReFuelEU
ReFuelEU Aviation is a project funded by the European Union that aims to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels in Europe. The project aims to create a sustainable aviation fuel value chain in Europe, from the production of sustainable feedstocks to the use of sustainable aviation fuels in aircraft.
How the EU Plans to Promote Sustainable Aviation Fuels?
The new rules will require aviation fuel suppliers to supply a minimum share of SAF at EU airports, starting at 2% of overall fuel supplied by 2025 and reaching 70% by 2050. The mandate covers biofuels, recycled carbon fuels, and synthetic aviation fuels (e-fuels) in line with the Renewable Energy Directive, but excludes food and feed crops, supporting sustainability objectives.
What does it mean for Aviation Fuel Suppliers and Operators?
Fuel suppliers will need to blend sustainable aviation fuels with kerosene, and aircraft operators departing from EU airports will be required to refuel only with the fuel necessary for the flight. Airports will also need to ensure that their fuelling infrastructure is available and fit for SAF distribution.
The Benefits of the ReFuelEU for the EU
The ReFuelEU Aviation proposal is projected to reduce aircraft CO2 emissions by around two-thirds by 2050 compared to a ‘no action' scenario, and provide climate and air quality benefits by reducing non-CO2 emissions. The new mandate will ensure a level playing field within the EU internal market, provide legal certainty to fuel producers, and help kick-start large-scale production across the continent. It will also increase the EU's energy security by reducing dependencies on third-country sourced energy products and create thousands of new jobs in the energy sector.
How RefuelEU and RefMap connect?
RefMap is a project funded by the European Union that aims to promote the use of renewable fuels in the transport sector. The project aims to effectively contribute to sustainable aviation in Europe by optimizing the trajectories of airliners or drones in order to limit their environmental impact. RefMap’s work on the use of sustainable aviation fuels in Europe and its overall approach to make aviation more environmentally friendly, aligns with the RefuelEU’s goals to create a sustainable aviation fuel value chain in Europe. Together, these initiatives will help to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry and support the EU's transition to a more sustainable future.
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