Experts propose regional SAF clearing house for Middle East and South Asia

Experts from Khalifa University and Cranfield University have proposed the establishment of a regional sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) clearing house. This proposed platform aims to coordinate fuel testing, certification, sustainability assurance, and technology evaluation across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The initiative seeks to leverage the Middle East’s existing energy infrastructure and investment capacity to transition promising SAF technologies from laboratory stages to commercial deployment.

Despite the potential for SAF to contribute up to 55% of required emissions reductions by 2050 according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) projections, global adoption currently tracks closer to a 15% contribution. While the United States and Europe have seen meaningful uptake driven by public policy, other regions face challenges. For instance, Japan reduced its SAF blend target from 10% to 1%, and Singapore has delayed certain implementation timelines. Other nations, including Brazil, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, face hurdles related to production capacity, feedstock supply, and policy clarity.