Japan invites public comments for SAF promotion policy proposal

In Japan, the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service reports that on October 4, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) invited public comments on the proposed Basic Policy for Promoting Decarbonization of Aviation. The proposed policy identifies Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) introduction as a key strategy for reducing CO2 emissions in Japan’s aviation sector.

The proposed Basic Policy establishes three targets for airlines:

·      Stabilization of CO2 emissions (i.e., carbon-neutral growth) from international flights at Japanese fiscal year 2020 (JFY: April-March) levels.

·      CO2 emissions per unit transport from domestic flights will be reduced by 16 percent by JFY 2030 compared to JFY 2013 levels.

·      Both international and domestic flights will be carbon neutral by JFY 2050.

To achieve these targets, airlines must (i) introduce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), (ii) improve air traffic management and aircraft operations, and (iii) introduce innovative aviation technologies. MLIT’s draft policy emphasizes the importance of (i) collaboration with SAF producers and distributors, (ii) availability of price
competitive and reliable SAF in Japan, and (iii) proactive procurement of feedstock(s) for stable SAF production.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), rather than MLIT, oversees SAF production.