In a significant step toward sustainable aviation, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies recently approved the “Fuel of the Future” bill, which will now be considered by the Federal Senate. A key component of this legislation is the establishment of the National Aviation Biofuel Program (ProBioQAV), which aims to reduce emissions in the aviation sector through the use of aviation biofuel.
According to the proposed law, airlines will be required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1% starting in 2027, gradually increasing to 10% by 2037. This reduction will be facilitated by the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which opens up new opportunities for Brazil.
SAF can be produced using different technological pathways and a wide range of feedstocks, including vegetable oils, animal fats, ethanol and other waste materials.
Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, highlighted the country’s abundance of feedstocks and well-established biofuels market: “We are already a world leader in ethanol and biodiesel. Soon we will also lead in the production and use of SAF, helping to decarbonize the aviation sector and generate jobs, income and wealth for our country.”
According to a study by Manchester Metropolitan University, aviation currently accounts for approximately 3.5% of man-made CO2 emissions. Without action, this percentage could increase significantly.
The approval of the “Fuel of the Future” Bill, spearheaded by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), creates a regulatory framework that provides legal certainty and ensures demand for SAF by setting emission reduction targets through the use of renewable fuel.
In addition, the development of the SAF market will be linked to the growth of low-carbon hydrogen production in Brazil. Through this entire production chain, Brazil aims to provide SAF, low-carbon hydrogen and green ammonia to facilitate a just and inclusive energy transition.
As Brazil moves toward sustainable aviation, initiatives like the National Aviation Biofuel Program will play a critical role in reducing emissions, fostering innovation, and positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel production and use.
