Synthetic SAF can, and should, qualify for 45Z

The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) asserts that synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a critical component for aviation decarbonization and qualifies for section 45Z credits. CATF analysis suggests that by mid-century, global aviation energy demand could be double the projected biofuel supply, with synthetic SAF potentially meeting up to 56% of aviation demand in some scenarios. The document argues that synthetic SAF fits the section 45Z definitions of both "transportation fuel" and "sustainable aviation fuel" because it is suitable for aircraft, meets carbon intensity requirements, does not involve the prohibited co-processing of applicable materials with non-biomass feedstocks, and adheres to ASTM International standards without being derived from petroleum or palm fatty acid distillates.

• Synthetic SAF is essential for aviation decarbonization because biofuel supply is expected to be insufficient to meet growing demand due to land use and agricultural sustainability concerns. By mid-century, global aviation energy demand may be double the projected global biofuel supply, and synthetic SAF could meet up to 56% of aviation demand in certain scenarios.
• Synthetic SAF qualifies as a "transportation fuel" under section 45Z because it is suitable for aircraft and meets carbon intensity requirements. The restriction requiring co-processing with biomass only applies if "applicable materials" (such as triglycerides or fatty acid esters) are used, which is not the case for synthetic SAF.

APA

Firth, S. (2024). Synthetic SAF can, and should, qualify for 45Z. Clean Air Task Force. https://www.catf.us/2024/08/synthetic-saf-can-and-should-qualify-for-45z/

Chicago

Firth, Sammie. Synthetic SAF can, and should, qualify for 45Z. Clean Air Task Force, 2024. https://www.catf.us/2024/08/synthetic-saf-can-and-should-qualify-for-45z/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Firth |first1=Sammie |title=Synthetic SAF can, and should, qualify for 45Z |publisher=Clean Air Task Force |date=19 August 2024 |url=https://www.catf.us/2024/08/synthetic-saf-can-and-should-qualify-for-45z/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{firth2024synthetic, author = {Firth, Sammie}, title = {{Synthetic SAF can, and should, qualify for 45Z}}, publisher = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2024}, month = aug, url = {https://www.catf.us/2024/08/synthetic-saf-can-and-should-qualify-for-45z/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }