In a written answer on 1 July 2026, Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas declined to introduce a specific sub-target for alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) sustainable aviation fuel in the upcoming revision of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, instead reaffirming the regulation's technology-neutral approach. The decision maintains the current framework that prioritises total volumes of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) over mandating particular production pathways, a stance that impacts the AtJ sector's growth prospects and the agricultural industry's potential revenue from bioethanol feedstocks.
The answer was given to a question from Renew MEP Valérie Devaux, who had argued that AtJ technology, using bioethanol from agricultural waste, could help meet SAF targets given limited raw materials for other pathways and the high cost of electro-SAF. Tzitzikostas noted that AtJ from agricultural waste is already recognised as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Energy Directive and that the EU Emissions Trading System provides enhanced financial support for advanced bio-SAF. However, he stressed that ReFuelEU Aviation remains technologically neutral, setting no sub-targets for specific production methods.
On expanding eligible raw materials, the Commissioner pointed to recent updates: Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1405 already added intermediate crops and crops from severely degraded land to the feedstock list. He also said the Commission is reviewing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/996 on certification rules. While food- and feed-crop biofuels remain excluded from ReFuelEU mandates due to indirect land-use change risks, the eligible feedstock list evolves with reviews of Annex IX of the Renewable Energy Directive.
The answer signals that the Commission will not deviate from its technology-neutral stance in the ReFuelEU revision, prioritising volume targets and dynamic feedstock updates over mandated technology sub-targets. Institutional follow-up is expected as the revision process advances, with the Commission likely to rely on existing flexibilities and certification reviews rather than introducing new mandates for AtJ.