If aviation’s carbon emissions were measured as a country, it would rank among the top 10 global emitters. But key players are now setting some of the highest commitments and ambitions in the global landscape to change this trajectory.
Two weeks ago, the ICAO member states adopted the collective long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. At the 41st Assembly, ICAO also fully supported the new ICAO Assistance, Capacity Building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Programme to accelerate the availability and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
The International PtX Hub supports this effort by contributing to ICAO’s ACT SAF programme. The two main work areas focus on developing training materials for climate-neutral aviation and on supporting our partner countries in producing net-zero aviation fuel, starting with Kenya.
Building capacities on net-zero aviation fuels with the PtX.Training
The PtX Hub is developing a training module focused on “Pathways to Climate Neutral Aviation”. The module is an extension the PtX Hub’s Basic Training on Renewable Power-to-X (the PtX.Training). It will contribute to ICAO’s ACT-SAF programme by disseminating knowledge on SAF among decision makers globally.
Supporting Kenya on its path towards becoming a global SAF Hub
The Government of Kenya is determined to become a regional pioneer for SAF. It partnered with the PtX Hub to explore the most promising pathways for SAF production. After a successful kick-off workshop in August 2022, an inception mission is planned for January 2023. The mission will identify the areas for cooperation to determine Kenya’s options for producing and consuming SAF in the country, as well as trading it globally. A positive outcome of the inception mission assumed, the implementation phase will start with the newly developed training module “Pathways to Climate Neutral Aviation” to Kenyan key decision makers and the creation of a roadmap on how to accelerate the SAF market uptake in Kenya. Thereafter, the training will be offered to public and private stakeholders of other countries.
Kenya’s commitment to climate-neutral aviation started more than five years ago. Jointly with ICAO, the Kenyan Government already prepared a feasibility study on SAF production in the country. Kenya also joined the SAF Ambassador Group of the World Economic Forum.
With abundant renewable energy sources, Kenya is well set to produce PtL SAF. As a major regional airport hub in East Africa and home to many international organisations, its central location positions it well to become the hub for sustainable aviation. Historically with no refining or fuel producing capacities, the emerging SAF markets further offer the country the opportunity to establish new value chains and accelerate economic growth.
