Policies related to the decarbonization of air transport are at the center of global debates on the issue of energy transition. After all, we are talking about an activity responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, according to data from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Last November, governments from more than 100 member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization set a target of reducing the carbon intensity of fuel used in aircraft by 5% by 2030.

A commitment that can only be made possible through significant progress in the agenda for developing new sources of clean energy.

It is these sources that could replace fossil fuels in the operation of this mode, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The input can be produced from various raw materials, among which ethanol stands out, which means its carbon footprint is up to 80% smaller compared to similar kerosene, according to the International Transport Association Air.

In this scenario, Brazil, which occupies the position As the world's second largest producer and exporter of ethanol, and whose energy matrix stands out for its primarily renewable and clean sources, it is faced with a unique opportunity to be among the protagonists of the process that will guide the world towards the transition to more sustainable aviation.

The Brazilian sector is already structuring itself to supply ethanol as a raw material for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in plants built abroad for this type of operation (for now, only in the United States).

At BP Bunge Bioenergia, for example, we received the ISCC CORSIA certification in 2023, which confirms that the ethanol produced by the company complies with the international standards determined for the production of this biofuel.

We have the potential in the country to go far beyond raw materials. I see Brazil as a local producer of this new sustainable aviation fuel, since there is no justification for exporting our ethanol and importing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel produced from it.

To achieve this, however, as is the case in the United States and Japan, two countries that are currently leading the way in the development of this industry, it is essential to implement policies and incentives that support this process.

Some initial steps have already been taken in this direction. In the bill “Fuel for the Future” (Bill 4,516 of 2023) the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program was established, aiming to encourage research, production, commercialization and energy use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Brazil.

The program determines that air operators will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their domestic operations through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel by at least 1% between 2027 and 2028.

From then on, this percentage increases by 1 point each year, until reaching a commitment to cut emissions by 10% in 2037.

I understand that such determinations were important for Brazil to establish a position on the topic. Although we are not yet as advanced as other countries in terms of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel, I think we can be surprised at the speed at which things should evolve, if legislation and goals mature, given our gigantic ethanol distribution matrix. We have the largest biofuel mixing program on the planet here. Ethanol is not new to us!

However, to position ourselves beyond the status of raw material exporters, in a scenario related to Sustainable Aviation Fuel, we need investments, public policies and incentives that help to achieve a more prominent position as producers. As a sector and industry, we need to invest in advanced technologies and process optimization in order to ensure efficiency and competitiveness. With this, we also increased the volume of production, helping to prioritize this issue in public spheres. Furthermore, collaboration between government, industry and civil society is crucial to ensure that this path is explored to its full potential.

Historically, Brazil has been an exporter of goods and, although this represents a significant part of our economy, it is imperative to explore alternatives that will take us to new levels. Sustainable aviation offers a promising route in this regard, allowing us to not only provide inputs but also finished products that drive the global transition to a greener planet.

By investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel and other renewable fuel alternatives, we can not only stand out as producers, but also as pioneers in environmental innovation. Strategic policies and collaborative partnerships are essential to achieving this ambitious goal. As we move towards a greener future, Brazil has the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on global aviation. May this audacious vision be the lever for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.