Decarbonising aviation: a strategic pathway through eSAF and regional cooperation
Decarbonising aviation: a strategic pathway through eSAF and regional cooperation
Decarbonising aviation remains one of the most complex challenges of the energy transition. As a hard-to-abate sector, aviation will continue to rely on energy-dense liquid fuels for the foreseeable future, while global demand for air transport is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.
In this context, the transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) is not optional, it is essential.
A new MED-GEM Network report focuses on electro-SAF (eSAF), a next-generation fuel produced from renewable electricity, green hydrogen and captured CO₂. Unlike alternative propulsion technologies, eSAF can be deployed within existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure, offering a practical and scalable pathway to reduce lifecycle emissions in the aviation sector.
From regulatory ambition to industrial deployment
The European Union has established a strong policy framework to accelerate the uptake of SAF, notably through the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which sets binding targets for sustainable fuel blending.
However, current supply remains limited. SAF production today represents only a marginal share of global jet fuel demand, highlighting the need to scale up production pathways beyond existing bio-based routes, which are constrained by feedstock availability.
In this context, eSAF is expected to play a critical role in the long term, enabling large-scale production independent of biomass constraints.
The Mediterranean as a strategic energy corridor
The report identifies a clear opportunity to position the EU–South Mediterranean–GCC region as a strategic corridor for eSAF development.
This approach builds on complementary strengths:
- European Union: regulatory leadership and demand creation
- Southern Mediterranean partner countries: high renewable energy potential and proximity to EU markets
- Gulf countries (GCC): access to capital, infrastructure and industrial scale
By aligning these assets, the region can support the development of integrated value chains for eSAF production, transport and export.
This vision is fully consistent with the objectives of the New Pact for the Mediterranean and contributes to the operationalisation of the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation (T-MED) initiative.
Enabling conditions for scale
To move from pilot projects to bankable investments, the report highlights several priority areas:
- Demand visibility through long-term off-take agreements
- Regulatory clarity and alignment, particularly on RFNBO certification and carbon accounting
- Infrastructure planning, including production hubs and export corridors
- Skills development and industrial capacity building across the value chain
These elements are essential to de-risk investments and enable the emergence of a competitive eSAF market.
A partnership-driven transition
The deployment of eSAF at scale will depend on strengthened cooperation between public and private stakeholders, as well as enhanced regional coordination.
Through its integrated approach, the MED-GEM Network contributes to this objective by supporting policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement and the development of actionable roadmaps across partner countries.
From ambition to implementation
eSAF represents a key lever for achieving climate neutrality in aviation while maintaining global connectivity.
Unlocking its potential will require coordinated action across policy, industry and finance.
The Mediterranean region, through structured partnerships and aligned investments, is well positioned to play a central role in this transition.
Read the full report to explore the roadmap for scaling eSAF and advancing sustainable aviation across the EU and its Southern Neighbourhood. https://drive.med-gem.eu/drive/s/uW4HTQE5l6U0sdmqNhtu9Ugi363jAa