PETROLEUM PROCESSING AND PETROCHEMICALS ›› 2026, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (9): 173-181.

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EXPLORATION AND PRACTICE OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL DEVELOPMENT PATH IN CHINA

  

  • Received:2025-12-25 Revised:2026-05-27 Online:2026-09-12 Published:2026-08-21

Abstract: Under the guidance of the "dual carbon" goals, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is recognized as a pivotal pathway for deep decarbonization in the aviation industry sector and a critical lever for global emission reduction efforts. Driven by net-zero emission agendas advanced by international bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), major aviation markets are accelerating the research and industrial deployment of SAF technologies. Currently, China's SAF industry is in demonstration and early commercialization phase. Although some progress has been made in policy layout, airline practices, and airport refueling. However, it still faces challenges such as insufficient policy guidance, high production costs, limited technological innovation, and immature supply chain systems. This paper analyzes the current landscape by reviewing China's SAF policy incentives, airline application cases, and the existing industrial chain status. It is pointed out that it is urgent to strengthen top-level design, build a diversified feedstock supply system, accelerate key process technology innovation, and optimize full-chain monitoring and infrastructure. These measures are crucial for reducing the holistic cost of SAF and enhancing industrial synergy. With coordinated efforts across policy, technology, and supply chain dimensions, China's SAF industry is poised to transition from pilot demonstrations to large-scale application, providing robust support for the aviation sector's green transformation and the nation's "dual carbon" goals.

Key words: sustainable aviation fuel, aviation new energy, aviation industry, carbon emission reduction