The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore will also launch 12 key initiatives, including a levy on sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon electricity imports.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has launched the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint (Blueprint) as part of its efforts to decarbonise Singapore’s aviation sector while enabling sustainable growth.

Background

The Blueprint aims to reduce domestic aviation emissions[i] from airport operations by 20% from 2019 levels (404ktCO2) in 2030 and achieve net zero domestic and international aviation emissions by 2050. This net zero goal aligns with both Singapore’s national climate target and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s target for the global aviation industry. Alongside the Blueprint, CAAS will introduce 12 initiatives to decarbonise Singapore’s aviation sector and five enablers for the effective implementation of these decarbonisation initiatives. The initiatives will be implemented across three domains: airport, airline, and air traffic management.

The proposed initiatives and enablers for each domain are listed below:

Notable Decarbonisation Initiatives

• National SAF target and SAF levy – From 2026, flights departing Singapore will be required to use at least 1% of SAF. This target will be raised to 3-5% by 2030, subject to the availability and adoption of SAF across the globe. In addition, CAAS will introduce a levy for the purchase of SAF to meet its target of SAF usage.

• Deployment of solar power – More solar photovoltaic systems will be installed on available rooftop spaces of airport buildings at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. By the end of 2023, Changi Airport generated approximately 4% of its 2019 electricity consumption[ii] through solar power deployment. The installation of additional solar photovoltaic systems is estimated to generate an additional 6% of Changi Airport’s 2019 electricity consumption through solar power deployment. In addition, the solar power deployment will have a combined generation capacity of 43 megawatt peak (MWp) once completed in 2025.[iii]

• Low-carbon electricity imports – The majority of carbon emissions from airport operations arises from electricity consumption. Adopting low-carbon electricity imports will support the Blueprint’s goal for the aviation sector to reach net zero domestic emissions by 2050. This also aligns with the Energy Market Authority’s plans to reduce Singapore’s national grid emission factor.

• Waste-to-energy resource circularity – CAAS will work with stakeholders to determine if Changi Airport can accommodate an on-site waste-to-energy facility. This facility would turn waste into feedstock to generate electricity or biofuel for use within the airport. 

Next Steps

The CAAS will continue to ensure the effective implementation of sustainability initiatives through key enablers such as policy and regulation, industry development, infrastructure planning and provision, workforce transformation, and international partnerships and collaborations.

Latham & Watkins will continue to monitor developments in this area.

[i] Domestic aviation emissions are defined by functions that are core to Singapore air hub, including the operation of cargo and passenger terminal buildings and ground support.

[ii] Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, 19 February 2024, Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint. Available at: https://www.caas.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs—so/singapore-sustainable-air-hub-blueprint.pdf.

[iii] The Business Times, 14 February 2024, Keppel to build 43 MWp solar PV system at Changi Airport. Available at: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/keppel-build-43-mwp-solar-pv-system-changi-airport.