EU launches Early Movers' Coalition to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel uptake

The Commission welcomes the launch of the eSAF Early Movers Coalition, bringing together Member States committed to scaling up the production and uptake of synthetic aviation fuels (eSAF). Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain announced their participation in the Coalition in the margins of the Transport Council in Brussels.

As a key initiative resulting from the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan, the eSAF Early Movers Coalition underscores the essential role of synthetic aviation fuels in boosting the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. Under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, eSAF must account for 1.2% of fuel supplied at EU airports by 2030 and 35% by 2050. The EU is already home to more than 40 eSAF projects awaiting final investment decisions. Increased investment is therefore essential to strengthen Europe’s industrial leadership in the sector. 

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said: "With the launch of this Coalition, we are strengthening the EU aviation sector’s efforts to reduce emissions. I welcome the dedication of the participating Member States. Their financial contributions – aiming to mobilise at least €500 million for large-scale projects – will stimulate the needed investments and support swift deployment of eSAF in the EU."

Members of the Coalition will seek to provide financial support for the organisation of double-sided auctions for eSAF, with the first auction planned for 2026. Double-sided auctions will offer producers long-term revenue certainty and provide buyers with competitive, short-term contracts. The Coalition will begin its work immediately and remains open to all interested Member States.

For more information

Sustainable Transport Investment Plan

ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation