Currently most commercially scaled SAF production facilities use HEFA technology, for example converting used cooking oil into SAF.
Airlines will need 500 million tonnes (Mt) of SAF to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Biomass has the potential to produce more than 300 Mt of bio-SAF annually by 2050 and power-to-liquid (PtL) will also be required to reach the target.
Reliable access to the low-cost renewable electricity, hydrogen, and carbon capture infrastructure “are all required as part of the PtL production method,” it notes.
Hydrogen-based SAF producer Haffner Energy recently signed a 15-year offtake agreement with business aviation operator Luxaviation Group.
Such projects highlight hydrogen’s role in enabling cleaner fuels like SAF. Although some in the sector warn that overly strict standards could hinder adoption despite supportive policies.
With the right policies and investments, more than 300 Mt of SAF from biomass feedstocks could be produced annually by mid-century and around 200 Mt from e-SAF, according to the IATA report.
Maximising the volumes of cost-effective bio-SAF would reduce the pressure on e-SAF to bridge the gap, the report adds.
“In all cases, to maximise SAF output it will be essential to improve conversion efficiencies, accelerate technology rollout, enhance feedstock logistics, and invest in better infrastructure required to scale up commercial facilities across all regions,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“We now have unequivocal evidence that if SAF production is prioritised then feedstock availability is not a barrier in the industry’s path to decarbonisation.
“There is enough potential feedstock from sustainable sources to reach net zero carbon emissions in 2050. However, this will only be accomplished with a major acceleration of the SAF industry’s growth. We need shovels in the ground now.”
Andrew Symes, CEO of the Oxford University spinout, told H2 View that rigid green hydrogen rules could stall the SAF market, with some analysts estimating costs could rise by about €2.4/kg ($2.63/kg).
SAF is also presenting challenges in other sectors and up to 20% of the US merchant carbon dioxide supply may be needed to meet growing demand.
The observation was shared by Jeff Holyoak, Vice-President of Sales and Market Development, speaking at gasworld’s North America CO2 Summit.