South Korea will start requiring airlines to blend sustainable aviation fuel in 2027, with targets of 3-5% by 2030 and 10% by 2035. At a recent Seoul conference, experts warned that relying on used cooking oil for SAF production won't meet long-term demand. They pushed for alcohol-to-jet technology using bioethanol and a national plan that covers road, aviation, and maritime fuels. Currently, SAF makes up only 0.8% of global aviation fuel use. IATA says SAF must deliver over 60% of the emissions cuts needed for aviation carbon neutrality by 2050. Speakers from S&P Global and ABS noted that combining low-carbon ethanol, carbon capture, and climate-smart agriculture could strengthen Korea's position in the international market. The maritime sector is also looking at ethanol as a low-carbon fuel option, with engine makers expanding development. The key takeaway: Korea needs to diversify feedstocks and build production infrastructure now, or supply shortages will hit as the mandate ramps up. An integrated biofuel strategy linking all transport sectors was the main recommendation from experts at the conference.
