With Vietnam committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and joining the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) from 2026, the country needs to develop a roadmap for sustainable aviation fuel that balances emissions reduction goals, energy security and business competitiveness.

According to Deputy Minister Le Anh Tuan, developing SAF presents both challenges and opportunities to accelerate green industry and innovation. Achieving these goals will require close cooperation among government agencies, businesses and international partners in strengthening policies, developing markets and building supply chains.

Clarence Woo, Director of the Global Centre for Green Fuels (GCGF), said many countries view SAF as a central solution for reducing aviation emissions because it can make use of existing aircraft fleets and airport infrastructure. However, each country should develop a roadmap suited to its own circumstances.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Hien, Deputy Director of the Academy of Strategy and Capacity Building for Construction under the Ministry of Construction, said the global trend is shifting from carbon offsetting toward direct emissions reduction, creating opportunities for Vietnam to develop its own SAF industry.

Vietnam has several advantages, including feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products and biomass, along with existing refining, petrochemical, logistics and energy infrastructure. However, SAF development still faces obstacles related to production costs, technology, sustainable feedstock supplies and support mechanisms.

Do Hong Cam, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, said the country has already conducted trial flights using SAF while gradually developing fuel blending, storage and supply capabilities. The aviation sector is also working to establish legal frameworks, technical standards, emissions monitoring systems and infrastructure to support SAF deployment.

Although SAF is currently being used only on a pilot basis for commercial flights, these initial operations have laid the foundation for expanding the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel in Vietnam in the years ahead.

Vu Diep