SAF in Israel
Since 2023, Israel has experienced a surge in interest and activity around SAF.
This momentum builds on years of academic and industrial research, culminating in several major developments. One of the key milestones was the establishment of the Israeli Standard for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons—based on ASTM D7566. Initiated by the Ministry of Energy and led in collaboration with the Israel Standards Institute, this standard marks a critical step toward SAF integration in the national aviation sector.
Government-led initiatives, the formation of research and industry consortiums, and the involvement of top academic institutions and companies are collectively placing Israel at the forefront of global SAF innovation.
Below is a glimpse of pioneering SAF projects supported by Israeli government bodies and leading international partners, including Boeing.
Innovation Authority Consortium
In 2025, the Israel Innovation Authority allocated 100 million shekels to launch a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) consortium. This strategic collaboration brings together five leading industrial companies and six academic research groups to develop cutting-edge technologies for producing bio-based aviation fuel from renewable feedstocks. These include used cooking oil, solid organic waste, syngas, residues from the wood and paper industries, and recycled plastics.
Boeing Consortium
As part of the Boeing–Technion SAF Innovation Center, which focuses on the development of electrofuels (eSAF), a national consortium of leading Israeli stakeholders was established in late 2023.
Boeing – Technion SAF Innovation Center
Established in late 2023, the Boeing–Technion SAF Innovation Center is a leading force in the global effort to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The project focuses on the development and qualification of electrofuels (eSAF) produced via Power-to-Liquid (PtL) processes, using green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide.
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Established in late 2023, the Boeing–Technion SAF Innovation Center is a leading force in the global effort to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The project focuses on the development and qualification of electrofuels (eSAF) produced via Power-to-Liquid (PtL) processes, using green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide.
Under the leadership of Prof. Gideon Grader, the center brings together a multidisciplinary team of 11 principal investigators (PIs) with expertise spanning synthesis, combustion, life cycle assessment (LCA), techno-economic analysis (TEA), process engineering, theoretical modeling, and more. -
The global fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has reached the aviation industry, which is responsible for approximately 2–4% of global CO₂ emissions originating from energy use. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set an ambitious goal: to reduce aviation-related emissions by 50% by the year 2050.
To address this challenge, the Innovation Authority established a SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) consortium—a collaboration between five industrial companies and six academic research groups. Together, they will develop technologies for producing bio-based aviation fuel from renewable sources, including used cooking oil, solid organic waste, synthetic gas, residues from the wood and paper industries, and recycled plastics. The aim is to create a cost-effective alternative to conventional jet fuel—serving both the Israeli market (local airlines and the Air Force) and laying the foundation for an Israeli export industry that will supply fuel components and additives to emerging global markets.
Partnering companies include: Bazan Group, Ashdod Oil Refinery, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Gaia Biotechnologies Ltd., and Enzymotec Ltd.
The consortium is supported by leading researchers from Ben-Gurion University, the Technion, Bar-Ilan University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. -
As part of the Boeing–Technion SAF Innovation Center, which focuses on the development of electrofuels (eSAF), a national consortium of leading Israeli stakeholders was established in late 2023.
The consortium plays a key advisory and supportive role in the project, offering strategic insights and sectoral expertise. Its members include major industry players and government bodies such as Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems, Bazan Group, El Al, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Defense, and the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
