SkiesFifty的动态

I moderated a fascinating panel discussion on financing Sustainable Aviation Fuel at the SAF Conference in Abu Dhabi this week, hosted by Sustainable Aviation Futures, ICAO, and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. Here are my top 10 takeaways: 1. $1.4 trillion investment is likely required to scale SAF production, and without clear paths to commercially viable structures, funds will not flow and the industry will struggle to meet decarbonisation targets by 2050. 2. HEFA SAF remains 3-4 times more expensive than fossil jet fuel, and corporate customers are reluctant to absorb the cost premium, slowing adoption. 3. Government mandates (e.g., ReFuelEU) are driving early SAF adoption, but voluntary corporate demand is too weak to create a stable investment environment - policymakers must signal long-term commitment. 4. The lack of long-term offtake agreements remains one of the biggest barriers to SAF investment, as airlines hesitate to commit due to pricing uncertainty and supply risks, making it harder for projects to secure financing. 5. Contracts-for-Difference (CfDs), tax incentives, and risk-sharing mechanisms are needed to close the price gap and de-risk SAF investment, just as they did for renewables. 6. Singapore’s SAF surcharge model, where all departing flights contribute to centralised SAF purchases through a government entity, was highlighted as a potential blueprint to stabilise demand, taking competition out of the SAF discussion, and secure long-term funding. 7. Fuel traders and energy majors could act as SAF intermediaries, similar to utilities in power markets, ensuring market liquidity and reducing pricing volatility. 8. Feedstock supply is a major bottleneck, with competition from road transport, chemicals, and energy sectors, raising concerns about regional availability and price stability; feedstock innovations are being worked on, but they will take time to develop. 9. Power-to-Liquid (eSAF) technology holds long-term promise, but its costs remain high, requiring airlines and investors to support early-stage projects to accelerate cost reductions. 10. The aviation industry must shift from individual SAF investments to a more collective approach, such as pooled funds or joint offtake agreements, to mitigate risk and accelerate production. Success will require a coordinated approach and policy support is needed as price parity will unlikely happen at the level of current fossil jet prices. Thank you to the fantastic panelists Simon Talling-Smith from SkiesFifty, Ben McLean from DHL, and Michael Nau from Lufthansa. And thank you to the organisers and hosts Sustainable Aviation Futures (specifically Ros Johnston and Owen Raw-Rees), UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization. #SustainableAviation #NetZero #SAF #Aviation