The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged South Africa to leverage its resources and infrastructure to advance the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. This call was made during the IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa conference held in Johannesburg, where government and industry officials convened.
“South Africa has vast potential to become a leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producer in the region. And there is a waiting market for SAF as airlines work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. More than a strategy in support of aviation’s decarbonization, it is a strategy for economic development and should be a top priority for the new South African government. Across agriculture, energy, and transportation, new jobs and industries are waiting to be created that would not only help fight poverty but also contribute to greater energy independence,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president for sustainability and chief economist.
South Africa chaired the 2022 ICAO Assembly where governments agreed on a long-term goal aligned with the aviation industry’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The role of SAF in achieving this goal was underscored by the ICAO CAAF/3 objective of a 5% average global reduction in aviation’s carbon emissions by 2030. Global collaboration among stakeholders such as states, development banks, industry, academia, and other relevant parties is deemed essential for helping countries with SAF potential develop their industry.
“Airlines are ready and waiting to purchase SAF as evidenced by the fact that every drop of SAF produced has been purchased and used. But the production volumes are a minute fraction of what aviation needs. That’s why it is essential for governments of countries with production potential, such as South Africa, to embrace what is a unique win-win-win opportunity for economic development, energy transition, and decarbonized air transportation,” added Thomsen.
IATA emphasized several advantages for South Africa in developing SAF production:
Feedstock Potential: South Africa has abundant feedstocks from which SAF can be derived including sugarcane low-carbon by-products and biomass from cleared invasive alien plants (IAPs). Harvesting IAPs offers additional environmental benefits like improved biodiversity and water security without competing with food production for land or water use.
Significant Production Capacity: According to estimates by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), South Africa could produce between 3.2 and 4.5 billion liters of SAF annually—exceeding domestic fuel demand (1.8 billion liters) and presenting an export opportunity dependent on supportive policies.
Existing Refinery Infrastructure: The country’s existing refinery infrastructure could be explored for brownfield investments—plant conversions or co-processing.
Experience: With extensive experience in synthetic fuel production via methods like Fischer-Tropsch, along with robust academic and research institutions supporting innovations in fuel technology, South Africa is well-positioned for SAF deployment.
Strategic Geographic Location: Airports like OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport serve as crucial hubs connecting flights within Africa and globally.
To harness this potential fully, IATA urges the South African government to adopt a strategic plan encompassing four critical areas:
Industrial Infrastructure: Accelerate production capabilities using existing industrial infrastructure as a competitive advantage.
Pooling Resources: Foster collaboration between government entities, private sector players, and international partners.
Incentives for Research and Development (R&D): Promote innovation through tax incentives, grants, and subsidies aimed at reducing costs while increasing production volumes.
Investment in Infrastructure: Support biorefineries’ development and green hydrogen facilities through tax incentives among other measures.
