SAS Calls for Political Measures to Unlock Potential of e-SAF in Europe
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), as a prominent member of Project SkyPower, has joined 75 leading players in the aviation and energy sectors to urgently request political support to accelerate the development of e-SAF (Electric Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in the European Union.
In a recently signed open letter, these 75 organizations highlight the transformative potential of e-SAF to enhance energy resilience, strengthen the European industrial base, and support the aviation industry’s future climate goals.
What is e-SAF and why is it important?
e-SAF is produced using clean electricity and represents a significant step forward in aviation sustainability. It is projected to:
- Create approximately 20,000 high-value jobs by 2050.
- Reinforce Europe’s leadership in cleantech (clean technology) innovation.
- Reduce aviation emissions by 400 million tons annually, making a crucial contribution to the EU’s sustainability and industrial ambitions.
- Boost demand for renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, and solar.
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With a projected global market of over 350 billion euros, e-SAF is not only essential for meeting climate goals but also for consolidating Europe’s leadership in sustainable aviation.
Investment Challenges and Barriers
Despite strong industry interest, investment obstacles and regulatory uncertainties have hindered e-SAF production. To date, no facility has reached a Final Investment Decision (FID), underscoring the need for a clear and supportive political framework.
Call to Action: 5 Key Measures
To unlock the potential of e-SAF, SAS, along with other industry leaders, urged the European Union to implement five fundamental policy measures:
- Prioritize e-SAF in the Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.
- Recycle ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) revenues to fund a market intermediary that ensures revenue certainty and mitigates price risks.
- Introduce a support mechanism in 2025 for early adopters, before long-term policy frameworks come into effect.
- Ensure regulatory certainty regarding mandates, production criteria, and penalties to encourage investment.
- Establish a government-backed guarantee mechanism to mitigate project-by-project risk and facilitate financing.
Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS, emphasized the airline’s commitment to a sustainable future: “SAS is committed to forging a path toward a sustainable future, where innovation and shared responsibility drive progress for both our planet and our societies. e-SAF is a critical part of the solution. However, industry efforts alone are not enough: decisive political action is needed to scale e-SAF production, drive real change in the industry, and consolidate Europe’s leadership in sustainable aviation.”
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