- Worley Consulting and IATA find feedstock availability is not the main barrier to net zero aviation.
- The study emphasizes the need to accelerate SAF technology rollout and diversify production pathways.
- Regional feedstock assessments were conducted to analyze availability and scalability challenges.
- Policy certainty and cross-sector collaboration are crucial for scaling SAF production.
Study Overview
A new study by Worley Consulting and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that the primary challenge to decarbonizing aviation is not feedstock availability but the pace of deploying sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies and diversifying production pathways.
Key Findings
The study involved a regional feedstock assessment, providing a comprehensive data set and actionable analysis of feedstock availability across all SAF pathways. It offered insights into realistic SAF feedstock availability by region, technology assessments, and a review of the current regulatory environment.
Regional Opportunities
The report highlights local and regional opportunities for SAF production, emphasizing the potential to create jobs, stimulate economies, and support energy security goals. It underscores the importance of governments, energy producers, investors, and the aviation sector working together to de-risk investment and accelerate SAF technology rollout.
Call to Action
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, stresses the need for policy certainty and cross-sector collaboration to unlock the necessary scale for SAF production. The report urges immediate action, warning that delays will exacerbate the challenge of achieving net zero in aviation.
