EU Aviation Fuel Mandate Faces Uncertainty Over e-HEFA Counting

The European Union's ReFuelEU regulation aims to increase the use of synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) in jet fuel by 2030. However, most fuel suppliers have yet to develop their own e-SAF production, despite the obligation being known for years. A recent proposal to allow 'e-HEFA' to count towards the e-SAF mandate has raised concerns that it could be a strategic mistake. e-HEFA is a type of synthetic fuel produced from conventional feedstocks, rather than green hydrogen and captured CO2. If allowed to count towards the mandate, it could undermine the EU's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. The ReFuelEU regulation requires a growing share of e-SAF in jet fuel, starting in 2030. Fuel suppliers have not developed their own e-SAF production, and the proposal to allow e-HEFA could further delay the transition to cleaner aviation fuels.