UAE reveals details of overall policy for sustainable aviation fuel

The United Arab Emirates today revealed details of the General Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy, recently approved by the Cabinet.

Developed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) together with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other government and private sector stakeholders, the Policy is in line with the objectives of the updated version UAE Energy Strategy 2050he UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the National Energy and Water Demand Management Program.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructureoutlined the role of the new Policy in decarbonizing the aviation sector and transforming the UAE into a regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuel by developing local Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) capacity to produce 700 million liters a year.

Minister Al Mazrouei saying,

“The new Policy includes a voluntary target of providing 1% of fuel supplied to domestic airlines at UAE airports using locally produced SAF by 2031. The Policy also drives technology and innovation in the aviation sector and develops a national regulatory framework for SAF by exploring potential policies to support the long-term economic operation of SAF facilities in the UAE, building local capabilities to enhance value in the country and improving the governance maturity of the National SAF Programme. “.

He added that by setting clear standards for the production and use of SAF, the Policy is a transformative tool that will make the aviation sector more sustainable as part of a broader plan to achieve net zero emissions and contribute to emissions efforts. climate change mitigation. The Policy will help form effective partnerships with the private sector to drive investment in sustainable fuels.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, He said the Policy represents one of the possibilities that serve the UAE’s vision in transitioning towards a more diverse and low-carbon economic model.

It added that it aligns with its international commitment to the ‘Dubai Global Framework’ for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, announced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with the participation of more than 90 countries and 30 relevant international organizations in the conclusion of the third Aviation and Alternative Fuels Conference hosted by the United Arab Emirates in November 2023.

Bin Touq continued,

“The aviation sector contributes more than 13% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), and this contribution is expected to double by 170% in the next two decades. There are intensive government efforts, in partnership with the sector private.”, to ensure that this expected growth in the sector follows a low-carbon model. “The transition to sustainable aviation fuel is a key cornerstone to achieving this ambitious goal, creating new development opportunities and improving the sustainability prospects of this vital sector.”

For its part, Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, saying,

“The Policy supports ICAO’s goals of decarbonizing the aviation industry. In addition, it will help boost the national economy and help safeguard the environment. It is an important step forward in reducing the aviation sector’s contribution to climate change and improve our sustainable development. “Biofuel is a much more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”

He noted that the General Policy for Sustainable Aviation Fuel is in line with the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate commitments.

In the same context, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA), stated that the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Public Policy represents a key element in the transition towards a low-carbon aviation sector. This aligns with national efforts on climate change and enhances our international commitments agreed in collaboration with ICAO and within the ‘Dubai Global Framework’ for sustainable aviation fuel. The framework outlines the goal of reducing carbon emissions from the global aviation sector by 5% by 2030.

Al Suwaidi He added that this Policy complements and supports the UAE’s efforts in this direction, creating an enabling environment to attract new investments and encouraging companies to scale up clean energy production for aviation purposes.

He highlighted that the GCAAIn collaboration with all its partners in the government and private sectors, it has taken extensive steps to improve the infrastructure and legislative framework to embrace this anticipated shift towards clean and sustainable aviation fuel.

National companies in the aviation and energy sectors have also advanced on this path, establishing regional and international alliances to research and expand the production of this type of fuel.

News source: Emirates News Agency