Government introduces additional measures to back SAF production

May 21, 2025

2 min read

These measures sit alongside the requirements under the SAF Mandate, introduced in January this year, which specifies that at least 10% of all jet fuel used in flights taking off from the UK from 2030 should be made with sustainable fuel, rising to 22% by 2040.

The government also published its response to its consultation on how the SAF revenue certainty mechanism will be funded on 14 May. The response details that government will proceed with the variable levy on aviation fuel suppliers, relative to their market share of fossil-based aviation turbine fuels. Logistics UK responded to the consultation, welcoming a revenue certainty mechanism to help de-risk investment in production.

Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Advisor said: "Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as a drop in fuel, is a vital alternative to traditional kerosene jet fuel, reducing aviation lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. With no zero-emission alternative currently viable for long haul flight, SAF is the most significant opportunity to reduce aviation emissions in the medium term.

"SAF reduces carbon emissions but also lowers other harmful pollutants, such as particulate matter and sulphur oxides, contributing to better air quality around airports and reducing the aviation sector’s overall environmental impact.

"By integrating SAF into the fuel supply chain, and adopting higher SAF blends, the aviation industry can make significant progress towards achieving international climate targets and support the UK's commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

"Producing SAF domestically in the UK carries several economic and strategic advantages. First and foremost, producing SAF in the UK will increase availability, addressing a key concern around security of supplies, as well as helping to reduce overall costs as the industry is scaled up.