EU eyes Africa to develop SAF infrastructure projects

The European Union is looking at Africa to back clean jet fuel projects under its Global Gateway infrastructure fund, Reuters reported.
This is ahead of an anticipated boom in demand for environmentally sustainable air travel, an EU official said.
The EU has pledged to dedicate half of its €300 billion ($324 billion) infrastructure plan, seen as a rival to China's Belt and Road Initiative, to Africa.
The fund has already backed renewable plants and was now looking into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
"In the context of the Global Gateway, the Commission is currently looking into possible co-financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments," said Stefan De Keersmaecker, a European Commission spokesperson.
"SAF production in the African continent has great potential."
SAFs are low-carbon fuel alternatives for the aviation industry and can be made from various crops among other feedstock sources.
The EU will launch a €4 million capacity-building project by December 31 to support SAF feasibility studies and certification in 11 African countries and India.