Windhoek: The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has set its sights on the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a non-conventional aviation fuel known for significantly reducing carbon emissions. This was said during the opening session of a workshop on the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and CORSIA Eligible Fuels (CEF), held in Windhoek on Wednesday. The event is part of the EU-CORSIA Africa and Caribbean Project and is organised under the auspices of the European Union.

According to Namibia Press Agency, NCAA Executive Director, Toska Sem, said Namibia's abundance of biomass residue and renewable energy sources positions the country well to become a regional hub for SAF production. 'We are all aware that Namibia is blessed with rich renewable energy resources ranging from solar, wind, and biomass. The focus on feedstocks, blending standards, and SAF value chains speaks directly to our envisioned national context. Our abundance of residue biomass from bush encroachment, and recent Power-to-X feasibility studies underscore our potential to become a regional hub for SAF production,' she said.

Sem further said that the SAF initiative aligns with ongoing efforts in the green hydrogen sector and could contribute to both environmental goals and socio-economic development. 'The government has already declared green hydrogen a strategic pillar for national development. Sustainable aviation fuel production is a natural extension of that vision. By integrating SAF into our transport and energy development strategies, we are not only reducing emissions, but we are also creating jobs, fostering energy independence, and positioning Namibia as a global contributor to clean aviation,' she noted.

The three-day workshop brings together aviation and energy stakeholders from Namibia and beyond to explore SAF development pathways and CORSIA implementation as part of the global push for sustainable aviation.