IATA has welcomed the European Commissions
revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) to incentivize
sustainable fuels, and urged policy-makers to go even further in
prioritizing their use for air transport.
The largest user
of renewable fuels, the road transport sector, has increasing
options to move towards electrification; however, aviation has no
technological option but to continue with liquid fuel at the
present time. Therefore, there is a strong case for sustainable
fuel policies to prioritize air transport, in order to boost
supply and reduce costs.
"Aviation is on a path towards carbon-neutral
growth and ultimately to reduce emissions in half," said Michael
Gill, IATAs Director, Aviation Environment. "Sustainable fuels
are an essential element of our carbon-cutting strategy, with the
prospect of an 80% decrease in carbon compared to traditional jet
fuel. Policies to incentivize the production of such fuels have
been successful in the United States and elsewhere. Europe has an
opportunity to take the lead in sustainable fuel production if the
revised RED contains the right measures."
The European Commissions stated aim is for
Europe to become the leader in renewable energy, and the revision
of the RED offers just such an opportunity. The current challenge
with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is to boost supply and cut
costs. Greater production will help to reduce prices, and reduced
prices will encourage greater demand, thus boosting production. To break into this virtuous circle, the RED must strengthen its
policy framework to incentivize production of SAF.
"Airlines are absolutely committed to the highest sustainability
standards for alternative fuels, to ensure no interference with
biodiversity, food production, or clean water resources. We are
ready and willing to invest in these fuels and the revision of the
RED offers a unique opportunity for Europe to demonstrate what can
be achieved when policy-makers and industry combine for a genuinely coordinated approach to climate action and business
innovation," said Gill.
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