Energy transition
2026-04-26
11 min read
12 sources
Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2026: A Mandate Wall Without a Molecule Cushion
ReFuelEU is live, the UK SAF mandate ratchets, and ICAO CORSIA Phase II turns mandatory in 2027. Global SAF supply remains roughly 0.3 percent of jet fuel demand, and HEFA feedstock is already binding.
Aviation entered 2026 facing the first compliance year of EU ReFuelEU obligations, a 2 percent SAF blend floor at all EU airports, and a parallel UK mandate climbing toward 10 percent by 2030. ICAO CORSIA Phase II becomes mandatory in January 2027 for all member states whose carriers fly international routes. Global SAF production is on t...