The urgent need for scalable, cost-efficient eFuels production has become a critical point of discussion at two major aviation conferences held in Abu Dhabi – the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Global Implementation Support Symposium (ICAO GISS) and SAF MENA 2025. As the aviation sector pursues its net-zero emissions targets by 2050, the potential of eFuels—synthetic fuels generated from renewable electricity, water, and carbon dioxide—has gained substantial attention. Stakeholders highlighted the strategic importance of regional resource optimisation as a pathway to address both economic and logistical challenges in eFuels production.

Economic Viability and Production Barriers

The economic feasibility of eFuels production remains a major challenge, primarily due to high production costs. The process, which involves electrolysis to produce green hydrogen followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to create liquid fuels, is both energy and capital-intensive. Furthermore, access to low-cost renewable energy sources is essential to ensure that eFuels remain economically viable compared to conventional fossil-based aviation fuels.

Speakers at ICAO GISS and SAF MENA 2025 noted that while technological advancements are steadily improving the efficiency of eFuels production, scaling these technologies to meet commercial demand requires significant financial investment. Regions with abundant renewable energy potential, such as the Middle East, are considered promising candidates for cost-effective eFuels production. “The Middle East’s vast solar capacity presents a unique opportunity to reduce production costs,” remarked one expert at the discussion. However, the development of adequate infrastructure remains a formidable challenge.