New Report: Pathways to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (APAC Edition)
Exploring key challenges, opportunities, and innovators as the APAC region accelerates toward net-zero aviation.
Produced in conjunction with the upcoming Sustainable Aviation Futures APAC Congress, taking place on 4-6 November 2024 in Singapore, this report outlines critical opportunities and challenges in the SAF industry. Download the report here.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, home to some of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, is at a critical juncture in the pursuit of sustainable aviation. While Europe and North America have seized the headlines with ambitious SAF mandates and investment figures, APAC's approach has been a mixed bag.
At first glance, the region might appear to be trailing its Western counterparts. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex picture.
Japan, for instance, has set a goal of replacing 10% of aviation fuel for international flights with SAF by 2030.
Singapore will introduce a SAF mandate from 2026, starting at 1% and aiming for 3-5% by 2030.
China's 14th Five-Year Plan for Green Civil Aviation Development aims to increase the cumulative consumption of SAF to over 50,000 tonnes by 2025.
The diversity of APAC – in terms of economic development, technological readiness, and natural resources – means that a one-size-fits-all approach to SAF adoption simply cannot work.
In fact, APAC's perceived lag might actually prove advantageous in the long run. By observing the successes and challenges faced by early adopters in Europe and North America, APAC countries can potentially avoid pitfalls and implement more effective policies and technologies.
As we delve deeper into the SAF landscape in APAC, it becomes evident that the region is not trailing but charting its own course, one that could potentially reshape the global SAF industry.
Our new report focuses on:
SAF targets in leading APAC countries: Ambitious targets include China aiming for 50,000 tonnes of SAF by 2025, Japan targeting 10% SAF substitution by 2030, and Singapore mandating 1% SAF for all departing flights from 2026.
Diverse feedstock strategies: Exploring how countries like Malaysia and Indonesia rely on palm oil, while India and Australia focus on agricultural residues such as rice straw and sugarcane.
Barriers to SAF adoption: Identifying major hurdles such as high SAF costs (2-5 times more expensive than jet fuel), sustainability concerns around palm oil, and the complexity of certification schemes.
Technological and policy challenges: Examining the slow progress in green hydrogen and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuel technologies, alongside fragmented policies across the region.
APAC’s potential for SAF leadership: Highlighting the region’s abundant feedstocks and renewable energy capacity, positioning APAC to become a global SAF leader if key issues are addressed.
Directory of SAF producers in APAC: Providing a comprehensive list of SAF producers across the region, featuring companies in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.
SAF will play a pivotal role in aviation’s journey to net zero. This report aims to offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for airlines, policymakers, and industry stakeholders as they navigate the complex landscape of SAF implementation.
To explore more innovations in electric, hybrid-electric, hydrogen, and SAF technologies, check out our previous reports here. Don’t miss our new book, Sustainability in the Air, and SimpliFlying CEO Shashank Nigam’s podcast of the same name.