What are Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)?
SAF are drop-in aviation fuel blends that can be used in existing aircraft and distribution systems but which have been produced from sustainable feedstocks such as biogenic wastes, renewable electricity and recycled carbon fuels.
Before a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can enter commercial use, it must pass a comprehensive and demanding qualification process designed to meet strict aviation fuel standards. This ensures the fuel can operate safely with existing aircraft, engines, and ground infrastructure.
For a SAF to be approved as a ‘drop-in’ fuel—one that functions just like conventional petroleum-derived jet fuel—it must prove full compatibility across the entire aviation system. Although the process is technically complex and financially intensive, it is a vital safeguard for safety and operational reliability. As such, it represents one of the biggest technical and commercial challenges in bringing new SAF pathways to market.
However, once deployed SAF can achieve lifecycle emissions savings of over 70% when compared with conventional jet fuel. Supporting production and uptake of SAF is therefore a key priority for the UK in reaching net zero aviation by 2050.
Driving down emissions
The UK Government has committed to legally binding targets to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and individual carbon budgets, which the transport sector must contribute towards. Within this, aviation emissions are challenging to abate compared to other modes of transport due to unique technical constraints.
The aviation sector has an important role to play in meeting the economy-wide 2050 net zero target that will require a range of measures to decarbonise the sector. SAF is central to these plans to drive greener aviation because it can deliver around 70% greenhouse gas emissions savings on a lifecycle basis and be used in aircraft today.
Investing in the UK's SAF production industry
The UK SAF Clearing House supports the government’s ambition to build a thriving SAF production industry, delivering greener transport and supporting its missions to kickstart economic growth and to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
The Department for Transport's Advanced Fuels Fund competition has allocated over £135 million to UK SAF projects to help overcome perceived technological and construction risks and will support our aim to have at least five commercial SAF plants under construction in the UK by 2025.
The aviation sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, directly employing 230,000 people and contributing £22 billion to GDP prior to the pandemic. Failing to invest in decarbonising aviation risks harming the competitiveness of the UK aviation sector as other nations decarbonise their own aviation sectors, negatively impacting UK employment and growth.
Sustainable Aviation's 'Net Zero Carbon Roadmap' (2023)
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