Second roundtable of the ReFuelEU initiative

On 10 November, the European Commission organised the second roundtable of the ReFuelEU initiative and discussed policy options with stakeholders. This initiative is a key deliverable of the European Green Deal and of the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy and looks at ways to increase the production and uptake of SAF in the sector.

The European Commission has therefore presented the policy options that they are considering to set up an obligation:

• Obligation on supply

A.1. Scope intra and extra-EEA, targets volumes of SAF

A.2. scope intra and extra-EEA, target on GHG reduction

• Obligation on demand

B.1. intra and extra-EEA, target on volumes of SAF

B.2. scope intra-EEA and target on volumes of SAF

• Obligation on supply and demand
• C.1. scope intra and extra-EAA on supply, intra-EEA on demand, target on volumes of SAF
• C.2. scope intra and extra-EEA on supply, intra-EEA on demand, target reduction of GHG

Following the discussion, in which there were still many doubts on the best option for a SAF blending mandate, the consultancy Ricardo and the European Commission were interested in consolidating the preferences of relevant stakeholders regarding the presented policy options.  As such, they have invited ERA to complete a short survey concerning our preference for the policy options and any justification for our selection. Most of the responses that ERA has received from the membership leaned towards option A: mandate on the supplier given the extra burden such measure would have on the regional sector. When it comes to the target, there was no clear preference for the GHG or the volume based target. There was also a concern that an intra-EEA scope only would put the burden on short haul flights which do not represent the majority of the CO2 emissions.

You will find attached more information on the initiative.

ERA members will be able to discuss the Initiative in more detail during the ESG meeting taking place on the 27 November.