C-SAF: Proposed CFR changes send signal to unlock value of Canadian SAF

The Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF) welcomed the proposed 1.8 credit multiplier for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the draft targeted amendments to the Clean Fuel Regulations published Oct. 27.

This SAF-specific rate is what C-SAF had been recommending to Environment and Climate Change Canada and, according to the organization, will send a strong signal to the entire SAF value chain about the importance of building up SAF production capacity in Canada.

C-SAF said it has worked closely with government over the past year to convey the importance of including support for Canadian SAF production in the targeted changes to the CFR in order to attract investment and realize the economic benefits of Canadian leadership in SAF.  

A level playing field is needed to support solutions for hard-to-decarbonize industries like aviation, according to C-SAF.

The organization said it is pleased to see the draft amendments recognize that SAF is more costly to produce than other biofuels.

“The strong credit multiplier is a major win for Canada’s SAF producers and sends a positive signal to our aviation and aerospace industries,” said C-SAF Executive Director Geoff Tauvette.

“Canadian aviation supports over CAD$112 billion (USD$79.96 billion) of economic activity annually, and if we do not build out a domestic SAF supply and market, the industry will be reliant on importing clean energy,” Tauvette added. “The draft amendment lays the groundwork for a made-in-Canada SAF solution that uses Canadian feedstocks like canola and woody residuals to further grow the sector’s resiliency.”

Building on the momentum of the targeted CFR amendments, C-SAF said it will continue to work with industry and government to develop a comprehensive SAF strategy that would enable the rapid scaling up of SAF production in Canada.

SAF is the largest decarbonization opportunity for the aviation and aerospace sectors and, according to C-SAF, Canada has all the necessary ingredients to succeed.