Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry in Ireland

A recent feasibility study suggests that Ireland has the potential to develop a thriving sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, which is projected to generate a revenue of €2.55 billion ($2.69 billion) by 2050.

Meeting EU Mandates and Creating Opportunities

The study highlights that in order to meet the required volumes of SAF mandated by the European Union (EU), Ireland will need around 10 SAF plants, each with a production capacity of 80 kilo tonnes. This development alone could lead to the creation of a robust Irish SAF sector, resulting in an annual revenue of €2.55 billion and the potential to provide up to 1,000 high-skilled jobs in direct and indirect employment. Furthermore, the report suggests that export opportunities have the ability to significantly amplify these numbers.

Exploring Opportunities for Growth

The study, conducted by SkyNRG and SFS Ireland, received support from Avolon, Boeing, and ORIX Aviation. It identifies the Power to Liquid production of electro synthetic SAF (eSAF) as the most promising avenue for Ireland. eSAF is a synthetic fuel created through the combination of green hydrogen (extracted via electrolysis from water using renewable energy) and biogenic CO2. This approach offers the potential for substantial scalability, particularly in fulfilling the advanced biofuels requirements set out by the ReFuelEU mandate.

With these findings, it is evident that Ireland has a unique opportunity to establish a sustainable aviation fuel industry, which not only aligns with EU mandates but also presents strong economic potential for Ireland’s future.

Europe’s Push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The European Union is taking significant steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the aviation industry. Under the ReFuelEU initiative, fuel suppliers will be required to blend Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into the fuel available at all EU airports. Starting at 6% SAF by 2030, the goal is to increase this to a remarkable 70% by 2050.

However, a recent study has highlighted the challenges that lie ahead for Ireland to develop its own eSAF industry at scale. Specifically, there needs to be sufficient excess renewable power available to produce the necessary quantities of hydrogen. Recognizing this need, the study points to the government’s initiatives of significantly increasing offshore wind power generation by 2030. This move will position Ireland favorably for the establishment of a domestic SAF industry.

Avolon, a leading aircraft leasing company, is particularly invested in the transition to sustainable aviation practices. Its CEO, Andy Cronin, emphasizes that large-scale deployment of SAF, along with the adoption of new-technology aircraft, are critical drivers in achieving the aviation sector’s ambitious net-zero target by 2050.

The commitment of European countries, including Ireland, to reducing carbon emissions in aviation demonstrates a shift towards more sustainable practices. As technology advances and renewable energy sources become more accessible, the future of aviation looks promising in terms of achieving both environmental and economic goals.