Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that he is taking to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel here; if his Department has calculated the emission reduction savings that the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel can deliver; his plans for the State to allocate funding to promote the development of sustainable aviation fuel here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63443/22]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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It is widely recognised that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) will play a key part in decarbonising the aviation sector and support us in meeting our climate goals. At European level, the ‘Regulation on ensuring a level playing field for sustainable air transport’, commonly known as ReFuelEU Aviation, will impose obligations on fuel suppliers, airlines, and airports within its scope in relation to the distribution, use and accessibility of SAF.  In a context where SAF use is at a low level, less than 0.05% of total EU aviation fuel, the proposal aims to send a signal to market that there will be an increasing demand for SAF in the near future.

The proposed regulation includes a mandated minimum percentage of SAF to be uplifted, with increasing levels over the period from 2025 to 2050.  Fuel suppliers will be mandated to ensure that all aviation fuel made available to operators at designated airports contains a minimum share of SAF, including a minimum share of synthetic aviation fuel.  Aircraft operators will need to uplift 90% of trip fuel at a given airport (following a derogation period), and airports will be obliged to facilitate access for air operators to SAF.  The proposal is currently under discussion in the trilogue process between the European co-legislators.

The inclusion of SAF allowances within the Revision of the Emissions Trading Scheme for Aviation, also aims to incentivise the use of SAF. It is proposed that the use of fuels eligible under ReFuelEU, with the exception of fossil-based low-carbon aviation fuels, will entitle air operators to a number of free SAF allowances until 2030.  This will support SAF usage as such allowances will help offset some of the higher cost of SAF when compared with conventional aviation kerosene.

It is the case that SAF can offer significant emissions reductions on a life-cycle basis compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.  The extent of such reductions will depend on the origin and type of feedstock, the production technology used, and the life cycle emissions of particular fuels.  As such, clear and transparent sustainability criteria must be met for aviation fuel to be considered as sustainable.

Under the ReFuelEU proposal, fuels would need to meet net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of at least 65% when compared to conventional jet fuel as a baseline, in order to be considered SAF.  In relation to the Synthetic Aviation Fuels within the sub-mandate, the GHG reduction criteria is set at 70% compared to baseline.  Within the EU, SAF will be certified by Sustainability Certification Schemes against criteria defined in the Renewable Energy Directive.

Domestically, the Renewable Fuel for Transport Policy 2021, developed by my Department, proposes incentives for supply of SAFs through the issue of multiple certificates under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), subject to enabling legislation. Following consultation on this Policy, I am also currently examining the future requirements for the use of SAFs in the aviation sector within the context of the next iteration of the Renewable Transport Fuel Policy Statement 2023-2035.

My department has set aside €200,000 in its 2023 Climate Action Research Budget for research and innovation concerning SAFs. It is currently developing a research project scope that will complement emerging and on-going national and international research in this area. The project scope will also be informed by current developments including the forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland and the work of the Shannon Estuary Taskforce.

In relation to the possible development of SAF in Ireland, the Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland under development by Government, led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications will help inform how Ireland positions itself in this regard. The strategy will examine the range of ways in which hydrogen can meet our energy needs across all sectors, including transport.

The work of the Shannon Estuary Task Force will also inform decisions in relation to the possibility of indigenous production of SAF.  The Task Force was established by government in April 2022, under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to assess the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the region from an enterprise development and investment perspective, alongside scoping potential opportunities in the region.  The Task Force includes a Transport and Logistics sub-group which, in addition to other matters, is exploring opportunities for the production and supply of sustainable transport fuels.  I understand that the Taskforce is due to issue its final report early in Q2 2023.