IATA: SAF production growth rate is slowing down, essential to correct course ahead of e-SAF mandates
By International Air Transport Association
December 11, 2025
In 2025, SAF output is expected to reach 1.9 million metric tons (Mt) (2.4 billion liters), double the 1 Mt produced in 2024, according to the IATA. However, in 2026, SAF production growth is projected to slow down and reach 2.4 Mt.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reduced its 2026 production forecast for renewable diesel in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Dec. 9. The production forecast for other biofuels, including SAF, was maintained.
Reps. Sharice Davids, D-Kan.; Mike Flood, R-Neb.; Troy Carter, D-La.; and Tracey Mann, R-Kan., on Dec. 9 introduced legislation that aims to reinstate the 45Z clean fuel production credit premium for SAF and extend the 45Z credit through 2033.
XCF Global Inc. on Dec. 5 announced it has completed initial site work at New Rise Reno 2, including grading of the 10-acre parcel and construction of new access roads. The expansion project will boost SAF capacity to approximately 80 MMgy.
Emirates and ENOC Group on Nov. 19 announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore and develop joint initiatives for the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Emirates at its Dubai hub.
DevvStream Corp. and Southern Energy Renewables Inc. on Dec. 3 announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine under a new U.S.-domiciled, Nasdaq-listed company, following customary closing conditions.
Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus has launched the world's first assessed price for U.K. sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates, expanding its coverage of the northwest European SAF market.
XCF Global Inc. has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BGN INT US LLC to explore developing a global distribution and logistics partnership for SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have discovered a novel way to convert food waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that meets industry standards without relying on fossil fuel blends.
Erg Bio on Nov. 18 announced it has closed a $6.5 million seed round led by Azolla Ventures. The funding will enable Erg Bio to scale its Aspire Technology, a proprietary low-temperature pretreatment and catalytic platform.
The International Air Transport Association said the EU’s release of the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan as a significant step in recognizing the urgent need to accelerate air transport’s decarbonization, but more action is still needed.
The U.S. EPA on Nov. 20 released data showing more than 1.98 billion renewable identification numbers (RINs) were generated under the RFS in October, down from 2.17 billion generated during the same month of last year.
XCF Global Inc. on Nov. 20 confirmed plans to develop additional SAF production capacity adjacent to its existing biorefinery in Nevada. The company is also considering plans for SAF projects at idle biodiesel plants in Florida and North Carolina.
Rolls-Royce is leading a new project to find smarter ways of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to increase its effectiveness and role in reducing non-CO2 emissions, specifically those associated with contrail formation.
Tidewater Renewables Inc. on Nov. 13 reported that production at its renewable diesel facility in British Columbia was impacted in September and October by unplanned downtime. The facility is expected to be operating at full capacity by December.
DHL Express has announced a significant SAF agreement with Phillips 66 that will see the delivery of over 240,000 metric tons of SAF over a three-year period. The majority of the SAF will be delivered to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The U.S. EIA maintained its forecasts for 2026 renewable diesel and biodiesel production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Nov. 12. The 2026 outlook for “other” biofuel production, which includes SAF, was reduced.
DG Fuels LLC has appointed SAMSUNG E&A as a contractor for its SAF in St. James Parish, Louisiana, with responsibilities for the blue hydrogen, green hydrogen, and power generation portions of the project.
Pengerang Biorefinery Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture between PETRONAS, Enilive S.p.A and Euglena Co., Ltd, marked a key milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the development of the new biorefinery in Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia.
LanzaJet Inc. on Nov. 13 announced that it has fully operated and produced fuels at its LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Soperton, Georgia. The commercial-scale facility produces SAF via an alcohol-to-jet technology.
Gevo Inc. could close financing on a proposed 30 MMgy SAF facility under development adjacent to its existing corn ethanol plant in North Dakota as soon as mid-2026, according to comments during a third quarter earnings call.
Aether Fuels, a SAF producer, and Aster, a leading provider of energy and chemical solutions in Southeast Asia, on Nov. 11 signed an agreement to develop the first next-generation, commercial-scale SAF production facility in Southeast Asia.
FedEx in October continued its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) procurement momentum, beginning to take delivery of blended SAF at two additional U.S. airports for the first time: Chicago-O’Hare Airport and Miami International Airport.
Calumet Inc. on Nov. 7 announced the MaxSAF expansion at its Montana Renewables facility is progressing on schedule. Renewable fuels production during the third quarter was impacted by a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) expansion test run.
Aemetis Inc. released Q3 results on Nov. 6, reporting increased RNG capacity and higher capacity utilization at the company’s California ethanol plant. Aemetis also provided an update of biodiesel, SAF and CCS projects.
Neste is marking two significant milestones: the 15th anniversary of its renewable products refinery in Singapore and the 60th anniversary of its Porvoo refinery in Finland. Both facilities currently produce renewable fuels.
XCF Global Inc. on Nov. 3 announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Impact Jets LLC, a private aviation platform, to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption across the private jet market.
Topsoe has been selected to deliver its HydroFlex, SynCOR and H2bridge technologies, as well as catalysts and equipment, for NXTClean Fuels’ Port Westward project in Clatskanie, Oregon, to produce SAF and renewable diesel.
The European Commission on Nov. 5 unveiled its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, an initiative that aims to rapidly accelerate the energy transition in aviation and marine sectors, including through the use of SAF and marine biofuels.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency published the first ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report, laying out the initial picture of how SAF are being supplied, purchased and used across the European Union.
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