What awaits SAF in the months ahead

Milica Folić, director, Topsoe, looks at the sustainable aviation fuel market for the year ahead.
On 22 July last year, my local airport, Copenhagen Airport, witnessed a record-breaking 115,000 passengers in a single day, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
July 2024 became the busiest month in the airport’s 99-year history, reflecting a global trend.
In fact, ICAO projects that air transport demand will continue to rise by an average of 4.3% annually over the next two decades.
When the ReFuelEU mandate states that 70% of aviation fuel must be SAF by 2050, that is not 70% of the 2024 fuel total, but of the projected demand in 2050. We have some challenges ahead.

Progress is happening

Some of the trends we are seeing emerge, will continue in 2025 and beyond. Emerging markets are showing significant interest in producing SAF, and are aiming to export to regulated zones while gradually implementing domestic mandates.
The EU is actively promoting innovation, securing funding and creating supportive regulatory frameworks to make eSAF a reality.
Robust regulations supporting SAF supply and...