In a crucial step towards the decarbonisation of the airline sector, the Congress of Deputies approved last June a Non-legislative proposal focused on the promotion and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)This initiative, which had broad support in the Commission for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, was presented by the Popular Party and agreed with the Socialist Party. Its aim was to better position Spain as a leader in the production and use of this essential fuel for reducing CO2 emissions in the aeronautical industry.
A strategic push for sustainability
By promoting the use of SAF, this Non-Law Proposal also boosts economies of scale and helps lay the foundations for what is expected to be a robust market for this type of fuel in Spain. In addition, the Government is committed to funding research, development and innovation (R&D&I) projects to discover new sources of SAF production, as well as to offer direct investment and tax incentives.
The Association of Airlines (ALA), which represents more than 70 airlines and accounts for 85% of air traffic in Spain, has applauded this decision. Javier Gándara, president of the organization, expressed his satisfaction, highlighting that SAF not only reduces CO2 emissions by 80% to 100% over its life cycle, but also promotes the circular economy and energizes rural areas by using agricultural, urban and forestry waste for its production.“If the Government decisively promotes the production of SAF on a large scale and, with it, reduces its price, Spain will have the opportunity to become a global exporter of this fuel, while increasing our energy independence. Spain’s strategic location, rich in raw materials and renewable energy, puts us in an advantageous position. The time is now,” said Gándara.
The keys to the proposal
The Non-Law Proposal includes several key points to achieve its objectives:
- Incentive policy: Promote SAF production to achieve economies of scale and make prices competitive.
- Standards in the EU: Promote the approval and standardisation of SAF production routes and the use of raw materials within the EU.
- R&D funding: Support research into new SAF production sources and projects through direct investment and tax incentives.
- Public-private agreements: Establish agreements to promote investment in the production and supply of SAF.
- Access to waste: Collaborate with local and regional administrations to use municipal waste as a source of SAF production.
- Strategic projects: Encourage the creation and adaptation of SAF production plants by granting them the status of strategic projects.
- Biofuels: Promote value chain platforms for biofuels that can be used in aviation, encouraging collaboration between agricultural cooperatives, industries and technology centres.
A sustainable and competitive future
SAF is emerging as the most effective solution for reducing the environmental impact of air transportBy reducing up to 100% of CO2 emissions throughout its life cycle, this sustainable fuel not only improves the sustainability of the sector, but also supports the circular economy and contributes to the revitalization of rural areas. The approval of this initiative represents a An important step in Spain’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aviation sectorBy promoting SAF production, it not only positions itself as a leading country in the fight against climate change, but also prepares forto boost its economy by creating jobs and promoting advanced technologies.