Turkey Aims for a 5% Reduction in Aviation Emissions by 2030 through Sustainable Fuel Adoption
In a significant move towards reducing aviation emissions, Turkey has announced ambitious plans to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in its airline industry. The country aims to reduce aviation emissions by 5% by 2030, aligning with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) emission reduction program, which becomes mandatory in 2027.
Key developments include mandatory SAF usage for airlines and fuel suppliers, significant investments in production capacity, and concrete mandates to support the 5% reduction target.
Airlines operating international flights involving Turkey will be required to use enough SAF to meet the emissions reduction goal. Jet fuel suppliers, on the other hand, will be obliged to procure and distribute SAF accordingly. Penalties will apply for non-compliance.
Turkey's largest oil refiner, Tupras, has pledged to produce 20,000 metric tons of SAF by 2026 at one of its major facilities. The company aims to scale up production to 400,000 tons by constructing a new unit at its Izmir refinery, pending a final investment decision.
Meanwhile, local biofuel company DB Tarımsal Enerji intends to establish a new facility targeting an annual production of 100,000 tons of SAF.
To ensure domestic production and supply chains effectively support the mandate, airlines will be required to load at least 90% of their SAF needed for international flights in Turkey.
Turkey's jet fuel consumption has decreased by 4% recently, indicating efforts to optimize fuel efficiency alongside SAF adoption. This decrease brought the country's jet fuel demand to 6.26 million tons, or 135,000 barrels per day, as reported by the country's energy regulator.
The SAF initiative is part of Turkey’s larger strategy to enhance sustainability in energy and transport, fostering domestic biofuel industry growth and meeting international climate commitments. Aviation contributes to 2.5% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency, making this move a significant step towards reducing carbon footprint in the Turkish aviation sector.
Minimum emission reduction targets will be published before the end of each third quarter, providing a clear roadmap for the industry's transition towards SAF. With these measures in place, Turkey is transitioning towards mandatory SAF usage by airlines and fuel suppliers, marking a substantial commitment to sustainable aviation and carbon footprint reduction.
Scientists in the field of environmental science are analyzing Turkey's usage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to determine its effectiveness in reducing climate-change impacts. The country's finance sector is investigating potential investments in expanding SAF production, considering the growing demand within the industry.
Turkey's industry is expected to see significant changes in the energy sector, as the availability and use of SAF increased, potentially leading to a shift away from traditional fossil fuels. This transition to cleaner energy sources could have a positive impact on the environment, contributing to the global effort to combat climate-change.
In light of these developments, Turkey's stakeholders in the aviation, energy, and finance sectors are collaborating to ensure the success of the country's emission reduction program. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation in the production and distribution of SAF, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and eco-friendly industry.