ReFuelEU Aviation is a significant milestone in Europe’s efforts to reduce emissions from aviation. As part of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package, it introduces mandatory requirements to scale the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), requiring fuel suppliers to blend SAF into jet fuel, airlines to comply with operational rules, and airports to ensure infrastructure is in place.
One year on, the regulation is already driving real progress. SAF use has increased across Europe compared to a baseline of 0.6% in 20241. This is supported by the rapid mobilisation of supply chains and infrastructure. Shell successfully met the required 2% SAF blending obligation across all countries where it operates, delivering SAF across 13 markets and to around 80% of the airports it supplies — a strong foundation for further scale-up. With the establishment of three SAF blending locations in Europe, Shell enabled blending of SAF into Jet A1 at levels of up to 49%. This required targeted infrastructure investments to ensure compliant fuel is delivered safely and reliably.
The first year of regulation has highlighted the scale of transformation required — and the importance of collaboration across a highly interconnected system. For example, Shell delivered more than 3000 Sustainability documents to report SAF delivery to airlines, allowing airlines to claim regulatory benefits. As SAF deployment scales and reporting requirements increase, the development of a central database could help streamline sustainability documentation, improving efficiency.
ReFuelEU represents a significant change for the European aviation ecosystem, and while it has presented some challenges in its initial year, these challenges were consistent with the scale of the change.
ReFuelEU represents one of the most significant operational shifts the aviation fuel supply chain has seen in decades. In its first year, the industry has moved quickly to build new SAF supply chains, develop infrastructure and ensure compliant fuel delivery across Europe. While implementation has varied across Member States, creating some additional administrative effort, this reflects the early stage of a system adapting at pace.
The first year has demonstrated that the core design of ReFuelEU can deliver increased SAF uptake. At the same time, experience has highlighted areas where clearer alignment — particularly with frameworks such as EU ETS and CORSIA — could make the system work more smoothly. Greater consistency in interpretation and streamlined reporting would reduce friction and support more efficient scaling, without compromising ambition.
ReFuelEU has accelerated the transition from fragmented, voluntary SAF markets to a more structured, EU-wide system. This has supported investment signals and improved supply security, with fuel suppliers developing diversified sourcing strategies to meet their obligations.
As expected in an emerging market, SAF pricing remains higher than conventional jet fuel and has shown volatility in the first year — reflecting both the early-stage nature of supply and the shift to mandated delivery. Over time, greater policy clarity and targeted support mechanisms can help stabilise costs and unlock further investment.
Looking ahead, the first year of ReFuelEU Aviation shows that progress is not only possible — it is already underway. As ReFuelEU accelerates physical SAF supply and competition across Europe, direct access to fuel is increasing, with voluntary SAF sales continuing to complement the market where needed.
Improving alignment across regulatory frameworks
Simplifying reporting and verification processes with a fully functioning Union Database
Supporting new SAF technologies such as eSAF
Increasing price certainty to unlock long-term investment
Shell believes ReFuelEU will play a central role in the transition to lower-carbon aviation*. With further collaboration across the aviation value chain and targeted policy refinements, ReFuelEU can continue to scale SAF deployment supported by supply chains that already reach most airports in Shell’s network.
2% SAF blending obligation met across all operating countries SAF delivered across 13 countries
SAF supplied to ~80% of airports in Shell’s network
3 SAF blending locations established in Europe
Blending capability up to 49% SAF into Jet A-1
3,000+ sustainability documents delivered to airlines
Shell collated ~26,000 data points across all Member States where Shell is obligated to fulfil Jet Fuel Properties reporting requirements (non-CO2 emissions)