ReFuelEU Regulation: Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuels in the EU
15/06/2023
The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector through the implementation of the ReFuelEU regulation. This groundbreaking regulation establishes harmonized rules to promote the uptake and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) across EU member states. By encouraging the use of SAF, the EU aims to foster the transition to a greener aviation industry. Let's delve into the key provisions and milestones of the ReFuelEU regulation.
Scope and Definitions:
The ReFuelEU regulation applies to aircraft operators, Union airports, and aviation fuel suppliers within the EU. To ensure uniformity, the regulation defines key terms such as "Union airport" and "aircraft operator." A Union airport refers to an airport handling more than one million passengers or 100,000 tons of freight during a reporting period, excluding outermost regions. The managing body of the airport is responsible for overseeing operations, including the centralized infrastructures for fuel distribution systems.
Share of SAF at Union Airports:
Aviation fuel suppliers are mandated to ensure that a minimum share of SAF, including synthetic aviation fuel, is made available to aircraft operators at each Union airport. The specific values and dates of application are outlined in Annex I of the regulation. The obligation can be fulfilled by utilizing synthetic low-carbon fuels for aviation as well. To encourage the transition, biofuels other than advanced biofuels and those produced from certain feedstocks are limited to a maximum of 3% across Union airports.
Flexibility for Member States:
Member States have the flexibility to adopt higher minimum shares of synthetic aviation fuel than those set out in Annex I. This provision can be implemented for specific Union airports within their territory, provided that the minimum share has been met on average across Union airports during the previous reporting period. Member States must notify the Commission and other Member States of their decision, and the Commission will publish this information in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Refuelling Obligation for Aircraft Operators:
To ensure the uptake of SAF, aircraft operators are required to uplift at least 90% of their yearly aviation fuel requirement at Union airports, with consideration for applicable fuel safety rules. However, exemptions from this obligation can be granted for specific existing or new routes of less than 1200 kilometers, subject to approval from the competent authority. Justifications for exemption may include operational difficulties or fuel supply challenges at specific Union airports.
Obligations of Union Airports:
The managing body of Union airports plays a crucial role in facilitating access to SAF for aircraft operators. If aircraft operators report difficulties in accessing aviation fuels containing SAF at a given Union airport, the competent authority can request the managing body to provide necessary information. Measures to address inadequate access should be taken promptly upon request from the competent authority.
Reporting Obligations:
Aircraft operators and aviation fuel suppliers have reporting obligations to ensure transparency and accountability. Aircraft operators must report data related to aviation fuel uplifted, aviation fuel required, non-tanked quantity, SAF purchases, and other relevant information by 31 March of each reporting year. Aviation fuel suppliers, on the other hand, are required to report data on fuel supply, SAF supply, conversion technology, feedstock origin, lifecycle emissions, and fuel characteristics.
Conclusion:
ReFuelEU is a landmark EU regulation that establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting sustainable aviation fuels in the region. By setting minimum shares of SAF at Union airports and imposing reporting obligations, the regulation encourages the aviation sector to transition to more environmentally friendly practices. Through these efforts, the EU aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener and more sustainable aviation industry.
Important Dates/Figures:
Scope and Definitions:
The ReFuelEU regulation applies to aircraft operators, Union airports, and aviation fuel suppliers within the EU. To ensure uniformity, the regulation defines key terms such as "Union airport" and "aircraft operator." A Union airport refers to an airport handling more than one million passengers or 100,000 tons of freight during a reporting period, excluding outermost regions. The managing body of the airport is responsible for overseeing operations, including the centralized infrastructures for fuel distribution systems.
Share of SAF at Union Airports:
Aviation fuel suppliers are mandated to ensure that a minimum share of SAF, including synthetic aviation fuel, is made available to aircraft operators at each Union airport. The specific values and dates of application are outlined in Annex I of the regulation. The obligation can be fulfilled by utilizing synthetic low-carbon fuels for aviation as well. To encourage the transition, biofuels other than advanced biofuels and those produced from certain feedstocks are limited to a maximum of 3% across Union airports.
Flexibility for Member States:
Member States have the flexibility to adopt higher minimum shares of synthetic aviation fuel than those set out in Annex I. This provision can be implemented for specific Union airports within their territory, provided that the minimum share has been met on average across Union airports during the previous reporting period. Member States must notify the Commission and other Member States of their decision, and the Commission will publish this information in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Refuelling Obligation for Aircraft Operators:
To ensure the uptake of SAF, aircraft operators are required to uplift at least 90% of their yearly aviation fuel requirement at Union airports, with consideration for applicable fuel safety rules. However, exemptions from this obligation can be granted for specific existing or new routes of less than 1200 kilometers, subject to approval from the competent authority. Justifications for exemption may include operational difficulties or fuel supply challenges at specific Union airports.
Obligations of Union Airports:
The managing body of Union airports plays a crucial role in facilitating access to SAF for aircraft operators. If aircraft operators report difficulties in accessing aviation fuels containing SAF at a given Union airport, the competent authority can request the managing body to provide necessary information. Measures to address inadequate access should be taken promptly upon request from the competent authority.
Reporting Obligations:
Aircraft operators and aviation fuel suppliers have reporting obligations to ensure transparency and accountability. Aircraft operators must report data related to aviation fuel uplifted, aviation fuel required, non-tanked quantity, SAF purchases, and other relevant information by 31 March of each reporting year. Aviation fuel suppliers, on the other hand, are required to report data on fuel supply, SAF supply, conversion technology, feedstock origin, lifecycle emissions, and fuel characteristics.
Conclusion:
ReFuelEU is a landmark EU regulation that establishes a comprehensive framework for promoting sustainable aviation fuels in the region. By setting minimum shares of SAF at Union airports and imposing reporting obligations, the regulation encourages the aviation sector to transition to more environmentally friendly practices. Through these efforts, the EU aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener and more sustainable aviation industry.
Important Dates/Figures:
- By 31 March of each reporting year: Deadline for aircraft operators and aviation fuel suppliers to submit their annual reports.
- Specific values and dates of application for minimum shares of SAF at Union airports are provided in Annex I of the regulation.
- Union Airport definition: An airport handling over one million passengers or 100,000 tons of freight during a reporting period, excluding outermost regions.
- Biofuels other than advanced biofuels and certain feedstocks are limited to a maximum of 3% compliance across Union airports.
Source:
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