Singapore is partially mandating the use of environmentally friendly fuel in aircraft

The country's government plans to mandate the use of environmentally friendly fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel-SAF) for all aircraft departing from Singapore. The rule is expected to come into force from 2026 onwards. Singapore's Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said these things on Monday. The city-state's plan is to match the global aviation industry's return to environmentally friendly fuels.

Chee Hong Tat announced plans to mandate some use of the SAF at the Changi Aviation Conference held ahead of the Singapore Air Show. He said his country's goal is to use 1 percent of SAF alongside conventional fuels in aircraft from 2026. and increasing it to 3 to 5 percent in 2030.

The plan was developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) after consultation with various stakeholders. In a statement, they said, 'Using SAF fuel is essential to curb carbon emissions in civil aviation. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 65 percent, which is essential to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

SAF can be produced through synthetic processes or using organic materials (used cooking oil or wood shavings). Currently, SAF has zero and 2 percent presence in the aviation fuel market. However, civil aviation industry authorities say that this rate will increase to 65 percent by 2050. Because there is a plan to bring down the carbon emission rate in the aviation sector to zero during that period.

But SAF fuel makers doubt whether the fuel they produce will sell at all. Because airlines say there isn't enough fuel to sell at a fair price.

SAF is currently five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore plans to subsidize the purchase of SAF to ensure airlines and travelers don't overspend.

The amount of subsidy will be determined based on the SAF-consumption target and its value. Subsidy amount may vary according to distance and mode of travel.