Israel Takes Flight with Sustainable Aviation Fuel Strategy

The Challenge

Aviation is a critical component of Israel's economy, contributing approximately 5% to the national GDP. Given the country's limited land borders for trade and travel, commercial air transportation is essential for international trade and tourism. The majority of flights are concentrated at Ben Gurion Airport, with over 52% destined for European countries.

However, the aviation sector's reliance on traditional jet fuel presents environmental challenges. With the European Union implementing regulations that mandate the use of SAF starting in 2025, airlines operating flights to and from Europe must adapt quickly. Failure to comply could result in increased costs and logistical hurdles, potentially impacting Israel's economy and its airlines' competitiveness.

The German-Israeli Energy Partnership's Role

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Energy Partnership orchestrated a pivotal workshop on the 22 August 2023, focused on sustainable aviation fuels. This workshop brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, experts from the German Energy Agency, leading academics from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, and innovators from Israeli startups.

The agenda covered critical topics such as:

• The current landscape of SAF technologies and their applicability to Israel.
• Regulatory frameworks and standardization efforts within the European Union and how they can be adapted for Israel.
• Case studies of successful SAF implementation in Germany and other EU countries.
• Potential research and development collaborations to advance SAF technologies locally.

The Impact

The collaborative efforts culminated in Israel releasing its National SAF Strategy in July 2024. The strategy outlines a clear roadmap to integrate sustainable fuels into the aviation sector.