As countries across the globe grapple with the challenges of climate change, the uptake of sustainable aviation has been gaining momentum as aircraft manufacturers and airline operators explore ways to reduce their environmental footprint. From initiatives to enhance fuel efficiency to integrating innovative technologies and forming ground-breaking partnerships, the script of aviation is being rewritten, proving that the sky is no longer the limit when it comes to sustainability.
In the UAE, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced the launch of the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Roadmap in January 2023. With an aim to accelerate the decarbonisation of the country’s aviation sector, efforts are being lined up to spur a positive impact within the UAE’s own borders and in turn, across the world.
Collaborative approach towards net-zero 2050
Emissions from the aviation sector accounts for 2-3 percent of global energy-related carbon emissions (CO2) and this number is expected to grow by 300-700 percent by 2050. To reduce the direct CO2 emissions of flying, SAF presents itself as an immediate solution.
Produced from 100 percent renewable waste and residue, this next generation low-carbon fuel works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fuelling infrastructure, enabling the reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent, in comparison to traditional fuels.
According to the International Air Transport Association, SAF production soared more than 300 million litres in 2022, a 200 percent increase from 2021. Although this progress is promising, there is still a long way to go as the airline industry will require 450 billion litres of SAF production per year to reach net-zero by 2050.
Given the surge in demand for SAF, world collaboration will be essential for this aspiration to become a reality as data by the World Economic Forum (WEF) indicates that planned production capacity investments are only on pace to yield four million tonnes annually of SAF by 2030, representing approximately 1 percent of global jet fuel demand.
Decarbonisation based on the foundations of sustainability
While SAF is set to be the driving force for the decarbonisation of the aviation sector, the key challenge in producing is access to sustainably available feedstock. The sustainable extraction of waste and residue in a transparent and traceable manner is critical to create a closed-loop ecosystem while ensuring the environmental integrity in production pathways for SAF.
As Apical continues to expand its global footprint and capacities, the availability of waste and residue is set to grow in tandem, enabling value-added partnerships to be forged for its waste stream and providing significant value for various industries. The new 2G biofuels plant by Apical and Cepsa which is scheduled to begin operation in H1 2026, will produce up to 500,000 tonnes of SAF annually.
Expanding business through a circular lens
In a world where sustainability is paramount, the UAE has reaffirmed that a circular economy can help the nation decarbonise while it aims to double its economic growth by 2031. Such steadfast commitment alongside the region’s strategic location, focus on sustainability and strong foothold as a global trading hub has attracted countless businesses to the emirate over recent years, and this trend is holding steady.
As for Apical, it has established Dubai as its strategic hub and gateway to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Its continual and reliable supply of sustainable vegetable oil and its derivatives is forecasted to contribute to the UAE’s projected edible oil volume growth of 6.5 percent in 2024.
From bulk oils to oleochemicals, functional and specialty fats to animal nutrition, the sustainable-first company has examined methods of converting waste-to-energy through sustainability-driven initiatives and subsequently executed upon them. This has not only enabled the diversification of its business but also, promotes circularity in a transparent and traceable manner.
Businesses that follow a similar path, especially as the world shifts towards adopting a sustainable first mindset, will be contributing to a circular economy and greener future for generations to come.