A project to assess the potential of Estonia and Latvia in the field of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development has been launched by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia with the support of the Technical Support Instrument of the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support of the European Commission (DG REFORM). The implementation of the project is carried out by PwC EU Services as a collaboration between the PwC member firms in Latvia and Estonia, along with PwC's strategic partners.
This project is focused on local implications of the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation (2023/2405), part of the Fit for 55 Package, which entered into force in late 2023. This Regulation intends to facilitate and promote the decarbonisation of the aviation sector by setting requirements for aviation fuel suppliers to gradually increase the share of SAF blended into the conventional aviation fuel supplied at EU airports.
The aim of the project is to research the possibilities of SAF production in Estonia and Latvia, providing recommendations for the optimal policy mix for an increased access to SAF. Over the 16-month duration of the project, several key activities will be undertaken: interviews with policy planners and industry representatives will be conducted, resulting in comprehensive country-specific overviews of SAF technological solutions and production possibilities. Recommendations will be developed to enhance the competitiveness of both countries in the SAF industry, and support will be provided to Estonian and Latvian policymakers for the implementation of post-project recommendations. Additionally, informative campaigns will be organized.
The key outcomes of the project are the enhanced policy framework, as well as improved awareness and capacities of the relevant authorities and stakeholders to boost the access to and use of SAF.
Artūrs Kokars, director of the Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Latvia: “Regulation regarding SAF is not a burden, but an opportunity for Latvia and Estonia to become exporters rather than its importers. The outcome of this project's research should serve as a roadmap for a new investment project aimed at the development of sustainable aviation in Latvia. The production of sustainable fuel from renewable resources will make a significant contribution to reducing aviation's environmental impact, as well as decrease Latvia's dependency on the import of fossil energy products.”
Taivo Linnamagi, Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia Aviation Department Director: “There are many interested stakeholders when it comes to SAF production but it’s crucial to raise awareness about it.”
Raimonds Dauksts, Head of PwC Latvia Advisory practice: “We highly value the trust you’ve placed in us. Our team of experts know that to be internationally recognised, the Baltics need to become industry pioneers, and we are excited to help Latvia and Estonia achieve this.”
Edward Tersmette, DG REFORM Policy officer participated on behalf of the European Commission, opening and guiding the meeting.
Implementation of the project on “Developing Technological Solutions and Production Possibilities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Estonia and Latvia” begun on July 31, 2024, and will last for 16 months, until November 31, 2025. On Friday, September 27, the project kick-off meeting was held, gathering all the project stakeholders.
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