A critica
RefuelEU is a step forward, not a policy mistake says Andrew Symes
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There has been some skepticism in recent months about RefuelEU, the regulation that mandates a gradual uptake of sustainable aviation fuel( SAF). Criticism from those who do not think climate is a serious problem is expected, as SAF is more expensive than fossil jet fuel, but interestingly there has been some criticism from pro climate action electrification-focused activists as well.
Their critique derives from the rational mindset that we should prioritize the sectors with the highest emission savings per $ spent first, as shorter term emissions savings are more impactful than those in the future due to the long-lived nature of CO 2
. Displacing coal electricity generation with renewables comes top of the list, followed by the electrification of road transport and then home heating. Sectors such as SAF, which have significantly higher costs of abatement, are further down the list.
In response, countries have prioritized renewable power, and they are now starting to seriously tackle the roll out of EVs and heat pumps. But some are now pushing this logical argument to the extreme. They argue that any money and time spent now on reducing emissions in sectors like SAF such as RefuelEU is a waste.
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