Sustainable fuel in aviation: Cameroon is moving towards local biofuels :: CAMEROON
While international and domestic aviation contribute 1.3% and 0.7% to greenhouse gas emissions respectively, Cameroon is positioning itself to adopt local sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This energy transition is part of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) goal to “achieve net zero emissions by 2050”.
Environmental and economic issues
If Africa is considered to some extent as a victim of pollution, it now wants to master the tools and methods of sustainable fuel production to organize its own ecological movement. In fact, SAFs have several environmental benefits, while offering economic opportunities to African states.
Training and transfer of experts
Recently, a training of experts from ECCAS Member States on SAF was organized by UK Civil Aviation, in collaboration with CCAA and ECCAS. This campaign aimed to share knowledge on SAF and mobilize key stakeholders to contribute to ICAO’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Jatropha, a promising raw material
In Cameroon, studies have shown the potential of jatropha as a raw material for the local production of sustainable biofuels. In order to cultivate throughout the national country, the biofuel derived from jatropha still needs to get permission from ICAO / CORSIA to be qualified as an alternative sustainable fuel and to benefit from national support policies.
Job creation and regional leadership
The successful implementation of SAF in the ECCAS sector could bring a number of benefits, such as the creation of jobs through local production and positioning the region as a leader in the global transition to sustainable aviation.
A strong commitment from the United Kingdom
The UK, which has set a target of achieving 10% SAF use by 2030, offers a model to follow. This goal is twice that of the ICAO, which aims for 5% for the member countries by the same date.
Cameroon on the right track
Cameroon, by focusing on sustainable fuel of local origin, shows its desire to contribute to the fight against climate change and to promote more environmentally friendly aviation. The training of specialists and the transfer of key players are important steps in this process.
