ReFuelEU: Aviation Decarbonization Mandate
I. Definition
ReFuelEU is a European regulation that supports the decarbonization of aviation.
It requires airlines and fuel suppliers to increase the use of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) over time.
The main goal of ReFuelEU is to reduce carbon emissions from air transport.
II. Context
Aviation is a sector with growing climate impact.
To address this, the European Union introduced ReFuelEU as part of its climate strategy.
ReFuelEU sets clear rules for:
- minimum shares of SAF in aviation fuel,
- obligations for fuel suppliers at EU airports,
- monitoring and reporting of fuel use.
The regulation works together with other sustainability frameworks.
Companies affected by ReFuelEU often need to align aviation data with:
- sustainability reporting under CSRD,
- climate targets defined through SBTi,
- climate disclosures aligned with ISSB,
- broader sustainability reporting using GRI.
This creates a structured approach to aviation decarbonization and transparency.
III. Related terms
- SAF: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Regulations
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/saf-sustainable-aviation-fuel-regulations - CSRD: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/csrd-corporate-sustainability-reporting-directive - SBTi: Science Based Targets Initiative
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/sbti-science-based-targets-initiative - ISSB: IFRS S1 and S2 Global Standards
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/issb-ifrs-s1-s2-global-standards - GRI: Global Reporting Initiative Mapping
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/gri-standards-mapping-csrd
IV. Example
An airline operates flights within the European Union.
Under ReFuelEU, it must use an increasing share of SAF in its fuel supply.
The airline then:
- reports fuel and emission data for CSRD,
- links emission reductions to SBTi targets,
- discloses climate information aligned with ISSB,
- integrates aviation data into GRI reporting.
This helps the airline show compliance and progress toward lower emissions.
