2021-06-01-世界经济论坛-Powering_Sustainable_Aviation_Through_Consumer_Demand_42页_5mb

Summary of "Clean Skies for Tomorrow: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate (SAFc) Framework"

Core Content

The document outlines a new framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) called the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificate (SAFc), developed by the World Economic Forum's Clean Skies for Tomorrow (CST) initiative in collaboration with RMI and PwC Netherlands. The goal of the SAFc framework is to accelerate the adoption of SAF, which is essential for decarbonizing the aviation sector, by creating a market-based mechanism that allows businesses to invest in SAF and claim emissions reductions as part of their Scope 3 commitments.

Main Points

1. The Case for SAFc

• SAF's Role in Decarbonization: SAF is a renewable fuel that can reduce the carbon intensity of aviation by up to 100% on a life-cycle basis. It is currently the only viable in-sector solution for reducing emissions in the near to medium term, as hydrogen and electric flying are not yet scalable for long-haul flights.
• Corporate Interest in Scope 3 Emissions: Corporations are increasingly interested in addressing their indirect (Scope 3) emissions, particularly from business travel and air cargo. SAFc offers a mechanism for them to do so by enabling them to invest in SAF and claim the associated emissions reductions.
• Emissions Reduction Accounting Approaches: Four approaches were considered for emissions accounting, including standalone disclosure, carbon offsets, carbon insets, and Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs). The EAC-based model was found to be the most promising due to its scalability, auditability, and alignment with international standards.

2. The SAFc Framework

• Energy Attribute Certificate Model: SAFc is modeled after EACs, which are used to attribute the environmental benefits of renewable energy to its buyers. This allows firms to claim emissions reductions without having to produce the actual SAF themselves.
• Catalyzing SAF Demand: The framework enables corporate buyers to invest in SAF and receive recognition for their emissions reduction efforts. This creates a demand signal that encourages SAF production and helps overcome the "chicken-and-egg" challenge of scaling SAF.
• Shared Responsibility for Scope 3 Emissions: SAFc allows for shared responsibility across the aviation value chain, with airlines claiming Scope 1 reductions and corporate customers claiming Scope 3 reductions.

3. SAFc Functionality

• SAFc Product: SAF producers generate SAF from sustainable feedstocks and issue SAFc certificates based on either volume or life-cycle emissions reductions.
• Accounting Framework: SAFc is designed to align with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and CORSIA, ensuring compatibility with existing and future standards.
• Traceability and Verification: SAFc ensures traceability and transparency through physical and virtual tracking of SAF ownership and emissions claims. It avoids double counting of emissions reductions by linking Scope 1 and Scope 3 claims.
• Functioning within Regulatory Frameworks: SAFc is compatible with international and regional regulations, including the EU SAF blending mandate and the US Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS).

Key Information

• SAF's Cost Challenge: SAF is currently two to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. However, its cost is expected to decrease as production scales and efficiencies improve.
• SAFc's Mechanism: The framework allows for the separation of SAF fuel from its emissions reduction benefits. The actual fuel is delivered to the nearest airport, while the emissions benefits are claimed by the SAFc buyer.
• Testing and Refinement: The SAFc framework is currently being tested by CST partners, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Microsoft, and SkyNRG. Lessons from these pilots will inform further refinement and finalization of the framework.
• Market-Based Solution: SAFc provides a market-based solution to address the supply and demand imbalance for SAF, helping to unlock new revenue streams and accelerate production capacity.
• Corporate Involvement: Corporate buyers can cover the price premium of SAF, enabling the industry to move towards net-zero emissions more quickly. The framework supports the economic and environmental goals of both the aviation sector and its corporate customers.

Conclusion

The SAFc framework is a novel approach to decarbonizing aviation by enabling corporate customers to invest in SAF and claim the associated emissions reductions. It is designed to align with international standards and facilitate a scalable, auditable, and transparent system for emissions accounting. By addressing the "chicken-and-egg" challenge and creating a demand signal, SAFc aims to accelerate the adoption of SAF and support the aviation industry's transition to a more sustainable future.