SAF Feasibility Study Findings to Be Presented to Stakeholders

The findings of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study will be presented to stakeholders on Tuesday (April 14), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to support aviation decarbonisation and strengthen energy security.

The study, funded by the United Kingdom (UK) Department for Transport and delivered under a programme of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), was conducted with technical support from global firm ICF Consulting.

It forms part of a broader international effort to assist countries in assessing opportunities for SAF development.

Chemically similar to traditional jet fuel, SAF is a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel, produced from non-fossil, sustainable feedstocks. It can be used within existing aircraft engines, making it a critical near-term solution for reducing aviation emissions.

Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Senior Manager at ICF, Yasar Yetiskin, explained that SAF plays a central role in addressing one of the aviation sector’s biggest challenges, which is achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while accommodating continued industry growth.

He noted that although aviation currently accounts for approximately two to three per cent of global emissions, demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly, particularly for tourism-dependent nations such as Jamaica.

“Aviation is a hard-to-abate sector. While improvements in aircraft technology and operations can reduce fuel use, and emerging technologies like electric and hydrogen aircraft show promise, these solutions alone are not sufficient,” he said, adding that this is especially true for medium and long-haul flights. He said that SAF is essential “because it can be deployed immediately using existing systems.”

The feasibility study explored Jamaica’s potential to develop a SAF industry, including the availability of sustainable feedstocks, infrastructure considerations, and economic opportunities.

Mr. Yetiskin pointed out that preliminary insights indicate that SAF development could deliver multiple benefits beyond emissions reduction.

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel presents a unique opportunity for Jamaica, not only to reduce aviation emissions, but also to strengthen energy security, create new economic activity, and build a more resilient and sustainable aviation sector for the future,” he pointed out.

The upcoming presentation will outline the study’s key findings and recommendations, as well as potential next steps for Jamaica as it evaluates pathways to participate in the emerging SAF market.

Stakeholders across the aviation, energy, and environmental sectors are encouraged to engage with the findings as the country continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation in the Caribbean.