Pre-conference EventsTuesday, 6 October 2026 - CET (Central European Time, GMT+01:00)

The session will start with a brief SAF outlook covering latest developments and outlook, and then zoom in on the role of infrastructure (logistics, blending) in scaling up SAF in Europe.

Takeaways

• How can refineries comply with ReFuelEU Aviation blending mandate on the longer term?
• How to collect local feedstocks for large scale European SAF production?
• Compare limited state-of-the-art (HEFA) with abundant local feedstock utilization (Power and Woody Biomass to Fischer-Tropsch)
• What production costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction can be achieved?

Abstract

The ReFuelEU Aviation obligations for aviation fuel suppliers requires a steep increase in the European production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). All aviation fuel made available at each Union airport has to contain the minimum shares of SAF 6 percent in 2030 and 20 percent in 2035, including 1.2 resp. 5 percent synthetic aviation fuel. Investment decisions for each aviation fuel supplier towards sustainable feedstock processing and fuel production are overdue.

Certified Alternative Jet Fuels are listed in ASTM D7566, with new process options expected soon. With DLR’s methodology of standardized techno-economic and ecological assessment of all SAF production routes the right option for each European refinery can be proposed. DLR uses its in-house software tool to maximize the process efficiency, identify cost drivers and to determine its environmental impact. For each SAF option and feedstock the technical potential and challenges, fuel production costs, greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint and abatement costs are provided. Detailed process models scaled to industrial plant size are available, optimized heat integration maximizes the process efficiency, cost estimation follows the standard chemical process cost engineering methodology and life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed based on standard methodology (ISO 14040/14044), providing the GHG abatement and additional environmental impact results.

• Cost-effectiveness of the EU SAF mandate: concerns and feedback
• What has worked in driving SAF production and integration into aviation
• The mismatch between regulatory expectations and the current pace of SAF adoption, including supply shortages and cost barriers
• Challenges in global implementation and enforcement of SAF mandates
• How can regulators and industry stakeholders close the gap between policy goals and the practical realities of SAF adoption?

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