Sweden proposes ambitious emission reduction target for aviation fuel

Sweden has put forward a proposal to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. The plan involves introducing a mandate for a growing share of low-emission fuels in aviation fuel sold within the country. The mandate would start at 0.8% in 2021 and progressively increase to 27% by 2030.

These proposed reduction levels are estimated to equate to approximately 1% of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use in 2021, totaling around 11,000 tons. By 2030, the target for SAF is 30%, which corresponds to roughly 340,000 tons.

Neste Corporation, a producer of renewable fuels from waste and residues, stated that such initiatives create the demand certainty needed to justify investments in increased production capacity. CEO Peter Vanacker commented that Sweden has set a high bar for reducing aviation emissions through the use of renewable jet fuel.

The global aviation industry has set its own ambitious goals, including achieving carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and reducing net aviation carbon emissions by 50% by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuel is currently considered the only viable alternative to fossil liquid fuels for powering aircraft.