This paper provides an overview of the current state of research with a view to the defossilisation of the aviation sector using electricity-based sustainable aviation fuels (e-SAF). It is closely related to our discussion paper “E-fuels: Separating the substance from the hype”, in which we outlined how electricity-based synthetic fuels can contribute generally to the energy transition in transport. The key takeaways offered by both papers are similar. However, in this paper we focus strictly on aviation, discussing in detail the potential offered by e-SAF.
Our goal is to furnish an evidence-based foundation for policy debate while illuminating options for just and inclusive development. If policymakers wish to ramp up global e-SAF production and thus enable the defossilisation of aviation, then associated decisions must be made in the near term based on an internationally concerted strategy that is informed by clear priorities. To this end, it is crucial to distinguish between viable options and mere wishful thinking.