Implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. A PESTEL-analysis

Abstract

Global climate changes are one of the greatest global threats affecting society. All sectors, from the largest ventures to the single individual, must aid in addressing and affecting these changes, resulting in a more sustainable and green future for the generations to come. Aviation currently stands for approximately 2.5% of global total anthropogenic CO2-emissions, which is rapidly climbing towards 24% by 2050, not even mentioning NOx, CO, other non-CO2 effects etc. The industry thereby also faces immense challenges to reach sustainability goals as set out by organizations, unions, and nations throughout the world. These considerable developments call for radical progresses in technology, innovation and development in all aspects of the industry. This thesis focuses on perhaps the most substantial means of developing the industry – replacing the means of propulsion. This thesis identifies the major component being transitioning to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a replacement to conventional kerosene Jet-A1. This study will analyze how SAF can reduce aviation’s overall emission footprint. This task will be undertaken using the PESTEL-analysis tool as a framework for uncovering barriers and challenges. Through an extensive literature review together with multiple expert interviews from various experts in the field, several conflicts from actors in the field has been identified and solutions presented under the different subparts of the PESTEL-analysis. Finally, an overview on the interaction between the different subparts will be discussed. This study identifies, among others, the lack of international legislation, vast production cost and supply of feedstock as major barriers needing a solution. It is evident that international cooperation and further political and economic incentives are necessary to drive an industry as complex and governed as aviation towards fulfilling the sustainability ambitions set out.