New research from Chalmers University of Technology warns that current European Union regulations on sustainable aviation fuel could make fossil-free fuel production more expensive and energy-intensive than necessary.
The study found that EU rules favor combustion-based production methods for synthetic aviation fuels over more efficient gasification technologies, despite gasification requiring up to 30 percent less electricity and reducing production costs by as much as 46 percent.
Researchers said the regulations under the EU’s Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) framework could lead to inefficient use of limited biomass resources and slow progress toward climate goals.
The report highlighted that the EU’s aviation fuel blending mandate — which targets 70 percent sustainable aviation fuel use by 2050 — may unintentionally encourage less resource-efficient technologies.
According to the researchers, better alignment between climate policy, energy efficiency, and industrial feasibility is needed to support cost-effective expansion of sustainable aviation fuels across Europe.
