South Africa urged to fast-track SAF production

Calling on the country to leverage its experience, resources and infrastructure to accelerate the development of SAF production, Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, says: ‘[SAF] is more than a strategy in support of aviation’s decarbonisation, it is a strategy for economic development and should be a top priority for the new South African government. Across agriculture, energy and transportation, new jobs and industries are waiting to be created that would not only help fight poverty but also contribute to greater energy independence.’

In 2022, South Africa chaired the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly at which governments agreed to a long-term goal aligned with the aviation industry’s net zero carbon emissions by 2050 commitment. The following year, a target was set for a 5% average global reduction in aviation’s carbon emissions by 2030.  

‘Airlines are ready and waiting to purchase SAF as evidenced by the fact that every drop of SAF produced has been purchased and used. But the production volumes are a minute fraction of what aviation needs. That’s why it is essential for governments of countries with production potential, such as South Africa, to embrace what is a unique win-win-win opportunity for economic development, energy transition and decarbonised air transportation,’ continues Thomsen.

IATA highlights several advantages for South Africa in developing SAF production, which have also been noted by a study undertaken by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF):

• Feedstock potential: South Africa possesses abundant feedstocks from which SAF can be derived, including sugarcane low-carbon by-products and biomass from cleared invasive alien plants (IAPs). Harvesting IAPs also offers environmental benefits such as improved biodiversity and water security. In all cases, no feedstocks would compete with food production for land or water use, in line with the ICAO sustainability framework.
• Significant production capacity: The WWF estimates that South Africa has the potential to produce 3.2–4.5bn l/y of SAF. This will more than meet domestic fuel demand (1.8bn litres) and present an export opportunity, especially if supported by green hydrogen development.
• Existing refinery infrastructure: South Africa’s existing refinery infrastructure could be utilised for brownfield investments, such as plant conversions or co-processing.
• Experience: With extensive experience in synthetic fuel production, particularly the Fischer-Tropsch method, and strong academic and research institutions, South Africa is well-positioned to innovate and support SAF production.
• Strategic geographic location: South Africa’s airports, particularly OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, serve as key hubs, facilitating connections within Africa and beyond.

To capitalise on South Africa’s SAF potential, IATA urges the South African government to adopt a strategic plan encompassing investments in brownfield industrial infrastructure, tax and other support for greenfield infrastructure, R&D incentives and collaboration between government, private sector and international partners.