Climate-Neutral Aviation: The Role of eFuels and Global Cooperation
Ralf Diemer, Managing Director, eFuel Alliance
The global aviation sector is facing a huge transformation. As a sector that is difficult to electrify, there is no alternative to the use of liquid energy sources in aviation.
In order to pave the way to climate neutrality in this sector as well, it is fundamental to boost the production of climate-neutral liquid eFuels at an early stage. Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are pivotal in driving the adoption of PtL and eFuels. By committing to the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), they not only reduce their carbon footprint but also signal market demand, encouraging further investments and innovations in the sector. Their role in testing, certifying, and integrating these fuels into their operations is fundamental to the broader industry's transition to greener alternatives.
Ambitious quotas are crucial for this. The ReFuelEU Aviation, a regulatory framework to boost the market ramp up of renewable fuels in aviation in the European Union, is the only legislation that provides binding quotas for eFuels beyond 2030 - worldwide. This long planning horizon is crucial, especially for scaling eFuels production. The quotas now set gives the industry a concrete roadmap. Nevertheless, the agreed quantities fall short of what would be technically possible. However, this agreement is a success for the planning and investment security of the industry.
At the same time, the aspect of global competitiveness of European airlines and hubs must not be neglected. Especially at the beginning of the production ramp-up, quota fulfilment comes with higher costs, which can have a negative impact on competitiveness. As airports outside of the EU do not have to fulfill those obligations, these regulations pose a risk of shifting intercontinental flight traffic from EU hubs to hubs outside of the EU. The subsequential rise in connecting flights prolongs travel distances, with most of the travel distance falling out of the scope of EU legislation, meaning much more greenhouse gas will be emitted and fewer renewable fuels will be used.
Global competition in aviation requires global solutions. There are few regulations in place around the world that will drive aviation to use synthetic aviation fuels in the long term. In addition, regional or national regulatory solution do not necessarily help the sector globally. Despite the need for a proper regulatory framework which enables the production and use of eFuels, fuel producers, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators and airlines are called upon to move forward the sector towards climate neutrality in an autonomous and ambitious manner.
To ensure equitable access, especially in resource-rich regions like MENA, international cooperation and technology transfer are essential. Investing in local infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks can enhance regional capabilities. By leveraging the MENA region's renewable energy potential, we can democratize access to sustainable fuel technologies, benefiting both local economies and the global environment.
An ambitious ramp-up of e-SAF will also have a positive impact on the transformation of other transport applications as such projects benefit from the commercial momentum to transition to low carbon alternative fuels and complimentary infrastructure.