Spain includes SAF, marine fuels in renewables targets

Spain will start counting sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and marine fuels towards its renewable energy targets, the government said.

Starting from the 2024 financial year, SAFs and marine fuels will count toward meeting targets for sale or consumption of biofuels. A multiplier of 1.2 will be applied to the energy content of the fuels.

An EU-wide SAF mandate will come into effect in 2025 that will set a minimum target of 2pc. The target rises to 6pc from 1 January 2030 and to 20pc from 1 January 2035, with a minimum share of 5pc of synthetic aviation fuels.

The law defines synthetic aviation fuels as certified renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) that includes renewable hydrogen and derivatives such as e-methanol, e-ammonia and e-kerosene.

EU states must bring this into their national legislation in line with the revised renewables directive by 21 May 2025.

Spain's new remit also introduces hydrogen, biogas and RFNBOs. These will be double counted under Spain's biofuels certification system.

By Evelina Lungu