IATA head suggests global airlines might not meet sustainable fuel goals
The leader of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that global airlines may fall short of their sustainable fuel targets.
TroibNews 
The aviation industry is lagging in its progress toward targets for sustainable aviation fuel production and usage, according to Willie Walsh, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The industry is striving for net zero emissions by 2050.
"We're not making as much progress as we'd hoped for, and we're certainly not making as much progress as we need," Walsh stated during an IATA media event in Geneva.
Currently, sustainable aviation fuel constitutes approximately 0.3 percent of global jet fuel consumption, with projections indicating it will rise to only 0.7 percent by 2025, as noted in IATA data. Experts have cautioned that the growth rate of green fuel production must accelerate significantly for the industry to meet its emissions targets.
A recent study from IATA revealed that global production of green jet fuel for 2024 is estimated at just 1 metric ton, down from a previous forecast of 1.5 metric tons made a year ago.
Walsh highlighted the insufficient number of biorefineries in development that are capable of producing green jet fuel, pointing out that many projects demand substantial capital investment.
To enhance transparency regarding the industry's advancement, IATA plans to initiate a project next year aimed at monitoring global sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.
He also noted that Europe is falling behind the United States in establishing incentives to foster investment in production facilities.
The 2022 U.S. Inflation Reduction Act includes substantial subsidies for clean energy and is regarded as a major initiative by outgoing President Joe Biden aimed at addressing climate change.
Regarding the potential effects of the incoming administration led by President-elect Donald Trump on the Inflation Reduction Act and its influence on sustainable aviation fuel production, Walsh expressed uncertainty.
"There was quite a lot of progress in the first Trump administration in this area as well. So, I don't think this is a black-and-white issue," he commented to reporters.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
"We're not making as much progress as we'd hoped for, and we're certainly not making as much progress as we need," Walsh stated during an IATA media event in Geneva.
Currently, sustainable aviation fuel constitutes approximately 0.3 percent of global jet fuel consumption, with projections indicating it will rise to only 0.7 percent by 2025, as noted in IATA data. Experts have cautioned that the growth rate of green fuel production must accelerate significantly for the industry to meet its emissions targets.
A recent study from IATA revealed that global production of green jet fuel for 2024 is estimated at just 1 metric ton, down from a previous forecast of 1.5 metric tons made a year ago.
Walsh highlighted the insufficient number of biorefineries in development that are capable of producing green jet fuel, pointing out that many projects demand substantial capital investment.
To enhance transparency regarding the industry's advancement, IATA plans to initiate a project next year aimed at monitoring global sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.
He also noted that Europe is falling behind the United States in establishing incentives to foster investment in production facilities.
The 2022 U.S. Inflation Reduction Act includes substantial subsidies for clean energy and is regarded as a major initiative by outgoing President Joe Biden aimed at addressing climate change.
Regarding the potential effects of the incoming administration led by President-elect Donald Trump on the Inflation Reduction Act and its influence on sustainable aviation fuel production, Walsh expressed uncertainty.
"There was quite a lot of progress in the first Trump administration in this area as well. So, I don't think this is a black-and-white issue," he commented to reporters.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
