Sustainable aviation fuels are currently the most effective way to reduce the environmental impact of flying while more advanced technologies like electric planes remain years away from being practical. According to the authors of the newly released report, these fuels act as a vital interim solution that can be used in existing aircraft today to help reach climate goals.
The report states that “SAF provides a bridge – a way to cut emissions whilst the industry works toward long-term solutions.” It further notes that “sustainable aviation fuels (“SAFs”) offer an immediate and scalable solution” for an industry where alternative propulsion remains out of reach.
Basically, while engineers are developing zero-emission planes that run on batteries or hydrogen, those technologies aren’t yet capable of powering long-distance commercial flights. Sustainable aviation fuels act as a practical alternative because they are designed to be poured directly into current plane tanks without any mechanical changes. This means airlines can begin reducing their greenhouse gas emissions immediately by using cleaner fuel in their existing fleets, rather than waiting for a total overhaul of aviation technology.
The report ‘Shaping 2026: Energy · Infrastructure · Transport’ was published by the international law firm Watson Farley & Williams in Germany in January 2026. Prepared by a senior team led by Dr. Christian Finnern, Dr. Malte Jordan, and Dr. Christian Bauer, the study provides a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the country’s shifting regulatory and investment landscape.
