In June 2017, Sweden passed legislation that legally binds the country to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. As part of the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and achieve this ambitious goal – Sweden has turned its attention to decarbonising aviation. On March 4, 2019, the Scandinavian nation announced a new proposal that, if approved, would mandate a 27% reduction in greenhouse gases for aviation fuel sold in Sweden by 2030.

Following intensifying pressure to limit the environmental impact of aviation transport, the international aviation industry agreed in 2009 to the demanding goal of an annual emissions peak in 2020, and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. Sweden’s newly proposed reduction target of 27% by 2030 places them firmly at the forefront of global aviation efforts to decarbonise. This reduction level is estimated to be the equivalent of 340,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel in 2030.

Neste Corporation CEO Peter Vanacker congratulated Sweden on leading the way in the sustainable growth of aviation. “This announcement sets a clear and bold target and shows the direction aviation must take in order to reach its emission reduction target. Also, it creates the necessary predictability in demand for Neste and other renewable jet fuel producers to invest in increasing the production,” he said in a statement.

Neste places considerable emphasis on sustainable operations, and is the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues. The company has produced its first commercial scale volumes of Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel made from waste and residues, and will look to scale production of renewable jet fuel to 1 million tons annually in the next three years.