The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has invited public feedback on how sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) should be treated under the country’s emissions trading system, opening a consultation process on March 23, Ethanol Producer Magazine reported.
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme, which has been in place since 2021 after the U.K. exited the European Union’s carbon market, is managed by the UK ETS Authority.
Officials said the latest consultation builds on earlier discussions held in 2022, when views were sought on how the U.K.’s SAF policy and emissions trading system could work together. In a follow-up response released the next year, the Authority had committed to developing clear rules on how airlines can claim emissions reductions from using SAF.
The new consultation comes alongside the introduction of the U.K.’s SAF mandate, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. It sets out proposals and seeks feedback on how SAF use should be handled under the emissions trading system, including possible changes to existing rules.
Among the key issues under review is whether to expand the types of sustainable aviation fuel eligible for emissions reduction claims beyond biofuels. The consultation also looks at aligning eligibility rules and sustainability standards with those set under the SAF mandate, as well as reviewing whether the current emissions savings requirement should be maintained or adjusted.
In addition, the government is seeking views on how SAF use should be recorded and accounted for within the system, along with potential legal and operational changes to improve how the scheme functions.
The consultation is now open to stakeholders, with further details available on the U.K. government’s official website.
