Global call to action for unlocking the potential of sustainable fuels

A critical challenge for clean energy transition

To meet the Paris Agreement commitments, all sectors must significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Yet under the IEA's Report “Delivering Sustainable fuels – Pathways to 2035”, demand for sustainable fuels must double by 2030 and double
again by 2035. Sustainable Fuels (SFs), such as low carbon fuels, biofuels and synthetic fuels, are an essential component of the global energy transition—especially in transportation and hard-to-abate industries such as steel, cement and chemical production—offering an immediate, scalable solution complementary to electrification.

• SFs operate within the net zero framework, reducing emissions by replacing fossil fuels while integrating carbon capture and organic waste valorization, among other low carbon intensity feedstocks —preventing landfill waste and boosting rural economies with new source of income.
• While electrification plays an important role in decarbonization, it has limitations in certain sectors and applications. SFs offer an indispensable pathway alongside other low carbon solutions. Technology neutrality enables all technological solutions to contribute to decarbonization based on impact.
• Though SFs require significant investment for technology scale-up, they can offer a seamless solution, leveraging existing energy infrastructure with appropriate adaptations and existing fleets, making the transition more accessible for all—governments, companies, and citizens. Additionally, they support the development of environmentally sustainable (lower GHG emissions), economically viable (clear business case), and socially beneficial solutions as they contribute to the creation of qualified jobs, not only in the industry but also throughout the entire value chain, such as rural areas.
• The use of SFs enhances energy security of supply, as they diversify energy sources. By combining local and global sustainable feedstocks, we can strengthen energy interdependence while simultaneously improving energy sovereignty and global energy flows. Their deployment must adhere to best environmental practices, with strong safeguards to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, while acknowledging potential risks such as geopolitical considerations among others.
• SFs align with circular economy principles by both making use of secondary raw materials within their production process and utilizing waste from other industries as feedstock, contributing to resource efficiency and helping close material loops across sectors.

We are entering a critical phase of the global energy transition, as achieving the committed targets requires additional, effective and coordinated efforts from all the global community. We, the undersigned, call on governments to develop a cooperative initiative that accelerate the production, adoption, and integration of SFs into the energy mix. We pledge to play our part in this transition—advocating for a well-defined, stable, and investment-friendly regulatory environment to ensure SFs contribute effectively to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Life cycle GHG emissions framework: fair market and simplified classification

The lack of global consensus around SF existing frameworks and excessive, inconsistent administrative burdens create delays and uncertainty—limiting investment, slowing innovation, and hindering the scaleup of SFs. Varying (and at times contradictory) sustainability criteria and incentives further undermine carbon reduction efforts and the adoption of low-carbon solutions.

The development of a common, open, collaborative classification system—measuring lifecycle-based emissions intensity from feedstock production to end use—offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the deployment of all clean fuel technologies
under a common, transparent methodology that builds upon existing international standards, regulations and certifications.

This approach supports the principle of technological neutrality, enabling fair comparison across solutions while providing greater regulatory certainty to scale up sustainable fuels. Allowing different SFs technologies to compete or complement on an equal footing reduces the risk of ruling out alternatives that may be more cost-effective or better suited to specific sectors or uses. It should be the market—guided by clear sustainability criteria—that determines which options best meet user needs.

Example of a simplified SFs classification based on GHG emissions reduction

Instead of navigating fragmented national sustainability criteria, a collaborative global SFs classification framework—based on GHG intensity levels—would provide a transparent, standardized emissions-based scoring system. Building upon science-based standards already established by international organizations, this approach would enable fuel producers, policymakers, and investors to easily compare different SFs types, ensuring effective emissions reductions and supporting net-zero targets. This classification system is a living, evolving proposal that invites participant dialogue and collaboration to ensure it accurately reflects technological developments and market needs.

The certification of SFs should be managed by independent, accredited entities following globally recognized sustainability criteria and protocols, overseen by a balanced international committee.

To accelerate the adoption of SFs, increasing education and awareness is essential. Despite their potential, SFs face adoption challenges due to misconceptions and lack of knowledge. Many stakeholders do not fully understand their benefits and applications, leading to slow adoption and limited policy support.

Unlocking the investment, which is ready and waiting, is firstly a matter of regulators providing clarity and form.

We therefore voice support for:

• Simplify and standardize SF classification – Emphasize a GHG intensity-based categorization system, aligned with international frameworks (e.g. IEA), to contribute to the development of a cooperative initiative and facilitate investment.
• Ensure transparent sustainability through standards and certifications – Apply robust, science-based, and transparent sustainability frameworks managed by independent, accredited certification bodies to prevent fraud, enhance credibility, and ensure that SFs production meets high environmental standards.
• Emphasize SFs integration into the energy transition – Ensure SFs are recognized in regulation as an immediate decarbonization solution, on par with other available technologies, while upholding the principle of technological neutrality to enable the most effective and context-specific pathways to net-zero, contributing in this way to energy diversity.
• Raise awareness and understanding of SFs – Educate policymakers, industries, and consumers about the benefits and applications of SFs, driving acceptance and adoption.

Collectively, we are prepared to facilitate the energy transition so long as the necessary measures are put in place to motivate our production of sustainable fuels.