Shell CEO Challenges UK Government's Green Aviation Fuel Plans

Wael Sawan questions Rachel Reeves's claim that sustainable aviation fuel is a 'game-changer' for reducing emissions tied to Heathrow expansion.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has touted sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as essential to offsetting emissions from the Heathrow expansion, calling it a 'game-changer.'
Shell CEO Wael Sawan argues that SAF adoption is hindered by high costs, being two to four times more expensive than conventional jet fuel.
The UK government has introduced a SAF mandate requiring 2% of aviation fuel to be sustainable by 2025, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
Sawan expressed skepticism about widespread SAF adoption without stricter mandates, noting that global SAF usage remains below 0.1%.
The government has pledged £63 million to support SAF production, but critics highlight the challenges of scaling the technology and ensuring affordability.