The 2026 World Ethanol and Biofuels Conference opened yesterday in Spain with Sergio Núñez, managing director of 8020 EDGE, setting the tone for two days of debate on the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable fuels.
Núñez highlighted the sharp cost challenge facing the aviation sector, noting SAF prices at €1,925 per tonne – roughly three times higher than conventional jet fuel.
Despite this, he said policy momentum is accelerating, with governments expanding SAF frameworks that offer varying degrees of demand certainty. Incentives, he added, are now playing a critical role in unlocking production investment and supporting airline uptake.
Global SAF production is expected to reach 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, but demand growth will depend heavily on how quickly new policies are adopted.
As international trade in SAF increases, Núñez stressed Europe’s strategic position, arguing that the continent’s import and distribution infrastructure will be central to market development. EU mandates already provide firm demand signals, with 121 of 153 airports reporting SAF supply in 2025, though 32 airports still had none.
He outlined the full distribution chain – from import receipt and terminal storage through blending, release and airport delivery – emphasising that infrastructure ultimately determines SAF’s reach, growth potential and delivered cost. Integrated SAF hubs, he said, offer vital optionality for managing supply‑chain uncertainty and risk.
Núñez also pointed to Australia’s modular, co‑located terminal model as an example of flexible infrastructure design that could support global SAF expansion
