Why Allowing "e-HEFA" to Count Towards the ReFuelEU e-SAF Mandate Would Be a Strategic Mistake

A new argument in the run-up to ReFuelEU is pushing back against proposals that would let “e-HEFA” count toward the EU’s e-SAF mandate. Under the regulation, jet fuel suppliers must meet a dedicated synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) sub-mandate with a growing share starting in 2030, with e-SAF defined as fuel made from green hydrogen combined with captured CO. The article says most suppliers haven’t built capacity, invested meaningfully, or secured off-take deals, risking heavy financial penalties. It claims allowing e-HEFA would undermine targets, reward supplier inaction, weaken investor confidence, and reduce environmental integrity.