Fuel for Thought: Sugarcane's Role in South Africa's Aviation Future

Sugarcane is also on the rise as a key feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in South Africa, presenting vast economic prospects and environmental advantages. South Africa has the capacity to produce between 3.2 and 4.5 billion liters of SAF per year, which surpasses local demand and presents export possibilities. The Health Promotion Levy (sugar tax) threatens this project by undermining the viability of sugarcane farmers. Leaders of the industry call on the government to ditch the sugar tax in order to enable the transition towards biofuels, potentially safeguarding existing jobs and adding new ones in the countryside. Under the correct policy, South Africa can emerge as a large producer of SAF and play a vital role in mitigating global emissions from air transport.

 

Source: Blue Marine Travel, GreenAir News, SA Canegrowers