eSAF market consultation 

The Federal Ministry is planning to introduce a joint eSAF funding scheme with Germany and Luxembourg in the form of a double-sided auction. The eSAF funding scheme is the first project under the European ‘eSAF Early Movers Coalition’.

Renewable aviation fuels based on green hydrogen and sustainable carbon are regarded as a key component in the transformation of the aviation sector towards climate neutrality. Producing such fuels in Europe reduces dependencies regarding long-term supplies of aviation fuels. This project also presents economic opportunities and potential for value creation for Austria.

The aim of the funding is to accelerate the market ramp-up of low-emission, electricity-based aviation fuels (eSAF) in the EU, remove barriers to investment and ensure the availability of eSAF in Austria.

The measure requires approval under state aid law from the European Commission and will be assessed on the basis of the Guidelines on State Aid for Climate, Environment and Energy (CEEAG). In accordance with the relevant provisions, Member States are obliged, under certain conditions, to conduct public consultations on the competition law implications and the proportionality of the measures to be notified. This consultation serves to fulfil these obligations.