IATA has called on South Africa to mobilise its experience, resources, and infrastructure to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. The call came as government and industry officials gathered in Johannesburg for the IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa conference on July 2.

“South Africa has vast potential to become a leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel producer in the region. And there is a waiting market for SAF as airlines work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 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,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist. 

South Africa chaired the 2022 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 role of SAF in achieving this goal was emphasised by the ICAO objective of a 5% average global reduction in aviation’s carbon emissions by 2030.

As decarbonising aviation will require global collaboration, it is critical that global or regional stakeholders like states, development banks, industry, academia and other relevant parties bring forces together to help countries with SAF potential to develop their industry. 

“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 opportunity for economic development, energy transition, and decarbonised air transportation,” said Thomsen.

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

• Significant production capacity: The WWF estimates that South Africa has the potential to produce between 3.2 and 4.5 billion litres of SAF annually. This will more than meet domestic fuel demand (1.8b litres) and presents an export opportunity, where policies will be central for realisation. Achieving production at the higher range of potential would require the co-development of a green hydrogen capability.
• Existing refinery infrastructure: South Africa has an existing refinery infrastructure which should be explored for brownfield investments, plant conversions or co-processing.
• Experience: South Africa has long experience in synthetic fuel production. In addition, the country’s robust academic and research institutions also have a history of supporting innovations and technology for fuel production.
• Strategic geographic location: South Africa’s airports, particularly OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, serve as important hubs for connecting flights within Africa and to other parts of the world.

To capitalise on South Africa’s SAF potential, IATA urges the government to adopt a strategic plan that should include four critical areas:

• Industrial infrastructure: Accelerate the development of production capabilities by using existing industrial infrastructure as a competitive advantage in the development and scaling of SAF production.
• Pooling resources: Identify opportunities to develop SAF by encouraging collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners to pool resources and expertise.
• Incentives for research and development (R&D): Spur innovation to drive down costs, increase production volumes, and diversify source crops/production methodologies with tax incentives, grants and subsidies for R&D in SAF technologies.
• Investment in infrastructure: Support the development of necessary infrastructure (greenfield), such as bio-refineries and green hydrogen production facilities with tax and other incentives.