UK Energy Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate Opportunities for U.S. Companies

On July 22, the new UK Labour government committed to implementing the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate announced by the previous government that requires two percent of domestically supplied jet fuel to be SAF by 2025 and 22 percent by 2040.

His Majesty’s Government (HMG) considers SAF adoption to be a key element for decarbonizing the UK’s robust aviation industry and necessary for developing a credible pathway to meet the UK’s legally binding 2050 net zero goals.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC), a statutorily required independent advisory body, anticipates the UK will need to import 25 percent of its SAF to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero goal. Imports of U.S. SAF could help meet that gap in the near term.  However, U.S. SAF is generally made from HEFA (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids), which will be phased down as UK production of cleaner, second-generation SAF alternatives grow and the UK government caps the use of HEFA SAF.

This new mandate presents potential opportunities for U.S. companies with expertise in SAF production and other sustainable aviation fuels. U.S. companies have a worldwide reputation for innovative products and after-sales service which makes them competitive in the UK market.

For more information on this report, please contact Leah Kollhoff - Leah.Kollhoff@trade.gov