Project SkyPower, a CEO-led initiative in Europe, has a vision of making e-SAF a commercial reality this decade to pave the way towards a lower emissions future for the aviation industry.
Imagine a future where planes are powered by fuels derived from renewable electricity, water, and captured carbon. A future where aviation produces significantly fewer emissions while continuing to contribute to economies and communities worldwide.
Project SkyPower aims to take the first step towards this future, by removing the barriers to growth for one of these fuels, e-SAF. This project will pave the way for the first e-SAF plants to get to final investment decision by the end of next year, to reach commercial scale by 2030. Achieving this vision is critical to meeting the global aviation industry’s commitment to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
This White Paper, produced by systems change company Systemiq on behalf of Project SkyPower, reveals the potential climate, industry and economic benefits e-SAF can deliver at scale.
E-SAF produces over 90% fewer emissions over its lifecycle from production to use than fossil fuels, and has fewer feedstock limitations and greater cost reduction potential than other types of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By 2050, it could become the most cost-effective SAF type, driven by advancements in renewable electricity, electrolysers, and CO2 capture. The global e-SAF market could grow to EUR 250 billion, creating nearly 90,000 direct jobs and many more in supporting industries. Europe, with its strong technological base and existing examples of pioneering e-SAF innovation, is well-positioned to lead this transition, enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
We face a critical window of opportunity to make this potential future a reality. For e-SAF to make a significant impact by 2050, it must reach commercial scale by 2030 and hit market tipping points in the next decade. With an expected five-year timeline from Final Investment Decision (FID) to operational status, e-SAF projects need to secure FID by latest end 2025. Despite 70% of the global e-SAF project pipeline being in Europe, no plant has reached FID due to high risks and initial costs.
Achieving this brighter future demands a new level of collaboration and courageous leadership. While existing initiatives have set the vision for the sector and outlined the roadmap to scaling SAFs, it’s time to turn words into action for e-SAF projects. Project SkyPower brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and financial stakeholders to address the unique challenges of e-SAF, ensuring these projects become bankable and operational in the next two years.
Through coordinated efforts and strategic investments, Europe can model the future for e-SAF in a more sustainable aviation sector, setting a global benchmark. Accelerating e-SAF projects is not just a technological and economic imperative but a critical environmental one. It is time for strategic leadership.