Sustainable aviation fuel target from Türkiye: 5 percent reduction in 2030

Our 2030 target is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5 percent with sustainable aviation fuel.

Uraloğlu made a written statement regarding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is of critical importance in reducing the carbon emissions of the aviation industry.

Pointing to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Directive (SHT-SAF), which was announced by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and came into force, Uraloğlu stated that Türkiye has taken an important step in the low-carbon transformation process in aviation.

Uraloğlu emphasized that Türkiye continues to work in line with its goals in this field and stated that it is aimed to reduce environmental impacts in aviation by expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel.

"CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION AMOUNT IS 13 GRAMS"

Citing the annual emission reduction targets for sustainable aviation fuel use, Uraloğlu made the following evaluations:

"We have determined the minimum amount of carbon dioxide emissions per liter for 2026 as 13 grams. Thus, we aim to reduce emissions per liter by 0.5 percent. Our target for 2030 is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5 percent with sustainable aviation fuel. Sustainable aviation fuel can be used in existing aircraft engines without requiring additional technology changes. Thus, we can contribute to reducing carbon emissions without waiting for the renewal of fleets."

Uraloğlu stated that although electric transportation solutions have become widespread in many transportation modes, they are not applicable in commercial aviation with current technology, and liquid fuels maintain their importance in long-range flights due to the weight and energy density of battery systems. Stating that a long-range aircraft that consumes 50 tons of fuel with today's technology must carry approximately 2,500 tons of batteries to perform the same flight, Uraloğlu pointed out that sustainable aviation fuel stands out as one of the most important solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.

"A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION MODEL IS BEING CREATED"

Stating that studies on sustainable aviation fuel production in Türkiye have gained momentum with the cooperation of the public and private sectors, Uraloğlu stated that the production ecosystem has been strengthened with investments carried out at different stages.

Uraloğlu emphasized that Türkiye is aimed to become one of the regional production and technology centers in the field of sustainable aviation fuel, with the implementation of the projects in the production, pilot facility, feasibility and planning stages, and said:

"It is not enough for sustainable aviation fuels to only meet technical standards; international sustainability criteria are taken as basis in production processes. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the production of sustainable aviation fuel, criteria such as protecting water resources and sustaining biodiversity are also taken into account. Thus, an environmentally and socially sustainable production model is created."