Understanding the sustainable aviation biofuel potential in sub-Saharan Africa

The report identifies 5.5 million km2 of 'REMAIN' land in sub-Saharan Africa potentially available for biofuel production after accounting for food security and conservation. Under current conditions, RSB-compliant production on prime and good quality land could yield 165 mt of aviation biofuel per annum, with miscanthus identified as the most promising feedstock. However, this potential is projected to decrease by approximately 40% by 2050 due to cropland expansion for food and climate change impacts. The study concludes that the region could meet between 30% and 90% of the projected 2050 global demand for alternative aviation fuels, depending on whether moderately suitable land is utilized.

• After excluding land for food production, forests, grazing, and high-biodiversity areas, there are 5.5 million km2 of 'REMAIN' land in sub-Saharan Africa potentially available for biofuel feedstock production.
• To meet the RSB sustainability criterion of at least 60% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings compared to fossil fuels, perennial crops are generally required because they better manage the carbon debt from converting natural grassland or shrubland.
• Under current conditions, the technical potential for RSB-compliant aviation biofuel from prime and good quality REMAIN land is approximately 7,000 PJ, or 165 mt of fuel per annum. If moderately suitable land is included, this potential increases to about 15,500 PJ or 330 mt.
• Miscanthus is the most promising feedstock for the region, contributing 50% of the total potential on prime and good quality land, and 75% if moderately suitable land is included.
• Future biofuel production potential is projected to decline significantly by 2050 due to the expansion of cropland for food, the loss of high-quality REMAIN land, and climate change impacts on yields. Potential from prime and good quality land is expected to decrease by about 40%.
• Sub-Saharan Africa has the technical potential to meet between 30% and 90% of the projected 2050 global international aviation demand for alternative fuels (estimated at 285 mt per annum).
• Crop residues from cereals, oil crops, and sugarcane could add an additional 7% to 9% to the biofuel potential, providing approximately 480 PJ of biofuel, though actual availability is limited by the need for soil protection and animal feed.
• The development of biofuel feedstock on REMAIN land could create between 10 and 20 million agricultural jobs in sub-Saharan Africa, depending on the crop and level of mechanization.
• In South Africa, the current technical potential for RSB-compliant biofuel from energy crops and residues is estimated at 260% of current domestic aviation fuel demand, and is projected to remain above 140% by 2050.

APA

Bole-Rentel, T., Fischer, G., Tramberend, S., & van Velthuizen, H. (2019). Understanding the sustainable aviation biofuel potential in sub-Saharan Africa. WWF South Africa. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sustainable_biofuel_potential_ssaf_summaryreport_finalized_v7_2_digital_pages.pdf?26941/taking-off-understanding-the-sustainable-aviation-biofuel-potential-in-sub-saharan-africa

Chicago

Bole-Rentel, Tjaša, Günther Fischer, Sylvia Tramberend, and Harrij van Velthuizen. Understanding the sustainable aviation biofuel potential in sub-Saharan Africa. WWF South Africa, 2019. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sustainable_biofuel_potential_ssaf_summaryreport_finalized_v7_2_digital_pages.pdf?26941/taking-off-understanding-the-sustainable-aviation-biofuel-potential-in-sub-saharan-africa.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Bole-Rentel |first1=Tjaša |last2=Fischer |first2=Günther |last3=Tramberend |first3=Sylvia |last4=van Velthuizen |first4=Harrij |title=Understanding the sustainable aviation biofuel potential in sub-Saharan Africa |publisher=WWF South Africa |date=January 2019 |url=https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sustainable_biofuel_potential_ssaf_summaryreport_finalized_v7_2_digital_pages.pdf?26941/taking-off-understanding-the-sustainable-aviation-biofuel-potential-in-sub-saharan-africa |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{bolerentel2019understanding, author = {Bole-Rentel, Tjaša and Fischer, Günther and Tramberend, Sylvia and van Velthuizen, Harrij}, title = {{Understanding the sustainable aviation biofuel potential in sub-Saharan Africa}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, year = {2019}, month = jan, url = {https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/sustainable_biofuel_potential_ssaf_summaryreport_finalized_v7_2_digital_pages.pdf?26941/taking-off-understanding-the-sustainable-aviation-biofuel-potential-in-sub-saharan-africa}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }