Waste to Wings: Africa's Quest For Sustainable Future

As climate change casts a shadow over the globe, the aviation industry must reinvent itself. Africa, with its burgeoning air travel market, holds the key to a sustainable future. The continent's aviation sector must adopt Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change.

 Aviation's 2.5% share of global carbon emissions is set to triple by 2050. Africa's rapidly growing aviation sector, expanding at 5.6% annually, will significantly contribute to this increase. The continent's vulnerability to climate change demands swift action.

  SAF, derived from waste biomass, algae, or agricultural waste, offers a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Producing up to 80% fewer emissions, SAF is the most effective way to decarbonize aviation. Its adoption would substantially reduce Africa's carbon footprint, aligning with the continent's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

 Africa's transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) presents numerous benefits, transforming the continent's economic, environmental, and energy landscapes.

 One of the most significant advantages of SAF is economic empowerment. By establishing a thriving SAF industry, Africa can create a multitude of job opportunities in feedstock cultivation, processing, and fuel production. This, in turn, will drive economic growth, stimulating local economies and improving livelihoods.

 Beyond economic gains, SAF adoption will also yield significant environmental benefits. By reducing air pollutants, SAF will contribute to cleaner skies, enhancing public health and quality of life in African cities. This improvement in air quality will have a direct impact on the well-being of urban populations.

 SAF production also bolsters Africa's energy independence. By leveraging local biomass resources, the continent can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, boosting energy security and sovereignty. This strategic shift will enable Africa to harness its own resources, ensuring a more sustainable energy future.

 Lastly, embracing SAF is crucial for Africa's climate resilience efforts. As the continent vulnerable to climate change, SAF adoption will help safeguard vulnerable communities and ecosystems. By mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, SAF will contribute to a more sustainable future, protecting Africa's rich biodiversity and natural resources.

Policy Frameworks are essential for creating a supportive environment. Governments must establish policies, regulations, and incentives that encourage the production and use of SAF. This could include tax credits, subsidies, or low-interest loans for SAF producers and users

 Investment in Infrastructure is also critical. Public-private partnerships can fund the development of SAF production and distribution infrastructure, ensuring that the fuel is available and accessible to airlines.

 Collaborative Efforts are vital to driving change. Governments, industry stakeholders, and international organizations must work together to develop global standards, share best practices, and address common challenges. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already approved a resolution stating that the global air transport industry will achieve carbon-neutral status by 2050, with SAF contributing roughly 65% of the reduction in emissions needed.

 Awareness Campaigns will also play a significant role in promoting SAF adoption. Educating stakeholders, policymakers, and the public about the benefits of SAF can help build demand and drive investment.

 PIONEERS

 South Africa's Waste-to-Wing Initiative:

  South Africa is poised to emerge as a frontrunner in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in the region, capitalising on a burgeoning market driven by airlines' commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Beyond supporting aviation's decarbonization, this initiative presents a compelling economic development opportunity that warrants top priority from South Africa's new government.

 According to Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, "The SAF sector has the potential to unlock transformative economic benefits, spanning agriculture, energy, and transportation. This includes the creation of new jobs and industries that will not only contribute to poverty alleviation but also enhance energy independence, aligning with South Africa's broader development goals."

The waste to wings project ran from 2018-2020 as a collaborative effort between Fetola, a Cape Town based enterprise development company, SkyNRG, an Amsterdam based sustainable avgas specialist and World Wildlife Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF). It was aimed at identifying possible issues and solutions for bio-jet fuel production and supply chain.

  Egypt's Biofuel outlook

 Egypt is poised to bolster its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capabilities with a landmark $380 million (€351 million) investment. The Egyptian Petrochemical Holding Company and Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemical Company (ANRPC) have joined forces with a private entity to establish a cutting-edge SAF plant.

 Located alongside ANRPC in Alexandria, the facility will leverage the Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway to convert used cooking oil into 120,000 tonnes of SAF annually. This strategic project will integrate seamlessly with existing sector companies.

 As reported by Asharq Business, this initiative underscores Egypt's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

Kenya's SAF Roadmap

 Kenya boasts a thriving aviation sector, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ranking as the fourth largest airport in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) collaborates with GIZ to promote the use of SAF and decarbonise the aviation sector. Kenya Airways became the first African airline to use SAF for a long-haul flight, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

  Toni Ukachukwu

Founder/ Chief Sustainability Officer

Aviators Africa