EU risks becoming dependent on China amid aviation fuel feedstock shortages

European producers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are urging the European Union to expand the range of feedstocks eligible for its production, warning of the risk of growing dependence on China. Used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats remain the main feedstocks for SAF production in Europe, accounting for 98% of the feedstock used in 2024. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), more than two-thirds of SAF feedstock was imported into the EU, with China accounting for more than half of these supplies. This was reported by The Chemical Engineer.

European companies are particularly concerned about the expansion of China’s domestic aviation fuel industry. Janis Kisiels, founder of Latvia-based NorSAF, noted that ten SAF production plants are already operating in China, while Chinese companies are increasingly using domestic feedstocks for local processing. According to him, China could eventually stop exporting used cooking oil to Europe and instead supply finished aviation fuel. This creates risks for European producers, which remain heavily dependent on imported feedstocks.

The issue is becoming particularly relevant as the EU tightens environmental requirements for the aviation sector. Under the ReFuelEU Aviation programme, sustainable aviation fuel must account for 70% of the total fuel supplied at EU airports by 2050. Half of this volume must consist of synthetic fuel produced using green hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Much of the remaining supply is expected to come from biofuels, particularly those produced from used cooking oil and animal fats. However, as SAF production expands, the availability of these feedstocks could become increasingly constrained.

To reduce import dependence, NorSAF is proposing a separate mandatory share of aviation fuel produced from alternative waste and biomass residues under ReFuelEU. The initiative is supported by UK-based Nova Pangaea Technologies, which recently signed a memorandum of understanding with NorSAF to build a bioethanol plant in Latvia. The companies emphasize the need to develop technologies that convert biomass waste into liquid fuels, helping diversify the feedstock base and reduce reliance on used cooking oil.

Expanding the use of alternative feedstocks could create additional opportunities for Europe’s agricultural sector, particularly in processing agricultural residues and other biomass. At the same time, growing demand for used cooking oil will intensify competition for this feedstock among biofuel producers. Industry participants believe that without diversifying supply sources, Europe will find it increasingly difficult to expand domestic SAF production and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. For now, these are proposals from producers rather than new requirements adopted by the European Union.

Tags: China, EU, SAF, sustainable aviation fuel, aviation fuel, used cooking oil