Lufthansa with Shell will supply up to 1.8 million metric tons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the years 2024-2030.
Lufthansa Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with “oil major” Shell International Petroleum Co Ltd for exploring the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at airports across the globe. The two parties intend to agree on a contract which states that the two companies will work together to supply a total volume of up to 1.8 million metric tons of SAF to airports around the world commencing from 2024, over a term of seven years. This agreement could turn out be one of the most significant commercial SAF cooperation in the aviation sector, as well as the largest SAF commitment made by both the companies to date.
What is SAF – the sustainable aviation fuel?
SAF is aviation fuel that is produced without the use of scarce natural fossil energy sources, such as crude oil or natural gas, and which also shows a saving of CO2 compared to conventional kerosene. Various production processes exist and different feedstock are available as energy sources. The current generation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel saves 80 percent CO2 compared to conventional kerosene.
The SAF is mainly produced from biogenic residues, for example from used cooking oils. In the long term, SAF has the potential to enable virtually CO2-neutral aviation especially for the commercial aviation market.
The Lufthansa Group is said to be involved in SAF research for many years and has built up an extensive network of partnerships and is proving to be a key source in driving forward the introduction of sustainable next-generation aviation fuels in particular. The group’s Special focus is placed on the forward-looking power-to-liquid and sun-to-liquid technologies, which use renewable energies or solar thermal energy as energy carriers.
With the use of SAF customers of the Lufthansa Group can already fly CO2-neutral currently. In addition, Lufthansa’s customers can document their reduced CO2 emissions with audited certificates and have the CO2 savings credited to their individual CO2 balance.
Lufthansa Group’s strategy for a sustainable future
As per Lufthansa the company’s own net CO2 emissions are to be halved compared to 2019, and by 2050, the Lufthansa Group aims to achieve a neutral CO2 balance. The company relies on accelerated fleet modernization, the continuous optimization of flight operations, the use of sustainable aviation fuels and innovative offers for its customers to make a flight CO2-neutral. The Lufthansa Group has assumed responsibility for effective climate protection with a clearly defined path toward CO2 neutrality: By 2030.
