05-05-2025
World Economic Forum and GenZero initiative to increase demand for sustainable aviation fuel in Asia-Pac
[SINGAPORE] Green Fuel Forward, a campaign to help scale up demand for sustainable aviation fuel in the Asia-Pacific region, was launched on Monday (May 5) at the GenZero Climate Summit 2025.
A joint effort between the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Temasek-backed, decarbonisation-focused investment company GenZero, it will educate organisations to become more familiar and competent with sustainable aviation fuel and sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFC), promote the use of both, enable test purchases and encourage partnerships between regional corporations and airlines.
Frederick Teo, chief executive officer of GenZero, said: 'The Asia-Pacific region has a unique opportunity to lead in sustainable aviation fuels, but unlocking this potential requires stronger demand signals.'
He added that the initiative can provide the technical clarity and corporate commitment needed to scale sustainable aviation fuel adoption, and 'by mobilising corporates and airlines, we can create the certainty needed to spur innovation, scale production and make lower-emission flights a reality'.
Sustainable aviation fuel is jet fuel made from renewable sources that include biofuel, waste or synthetics.
As it can be used in existing jet engines and reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, it is the most viable way of reducing the emissions of air travel. However, it is hampered by its high cost (three to five times more than regular jet fuel), low production and uncertain demand.
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According to the International Air Transport Association, sustainable aviation fuel accounted for 0.3 per cent of global jet fuel production in 2024.
SAFC will help organisations administer emissions reductions for using sustainable aviation fuel, using a framework developed by WEF's Clean Skies For Tomorrow initiative. It will allow both airlines and corporate travel to track and claim emissions reductions from flights using sustainable aviation fuel.
Sixteen organisations are participating, including the banks DBS, Mizuho and UOB; aircraft maker Boeing; airlines Air New Zealand, Qantas Group and Singapore Airlines; sustainable aviation fuel producer Neste; and logistics company DHL.
Green Fuel Forward's efforts will include education and training on key topics, plus hands-on exercises such as legally compliant test purchases of sustainable aviation fuel and SAFC.
According to a 2024 report, South-east Asia has the potential to supply 12 per cent of the world's sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. Asia-Pacific is the largest passenger aviation market in the world, and is also expected to lead sector growth in the next few years.
The GenZero Climate Summit, organised by GenZero, aims to accelerate global decarbonisation. It runs from May 5 to 8 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
