Germany is proposing a penalty of €17,000 per tonne for fuel suppliers who fail to meet their hydrogen-based synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) obligations, under a draft bill aligned with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). This penalty level may be adjusted in the future.

The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation law requires e-SAF to account for at least 1.2% of aviation fuel in 2030–31, increasing to 35% by 2050. Penalties must be at least twice the price difference between renewable hydrogen-based e-SAF and conventional jet fuel. Germany’s proposed penalty exceeds the EU’s minimum, set around €13,922 per tonne.

E-SAF can be made using renewable or low-carbon hydrogen, including nuclear-powered electrolysis. While hydrogen use in aviation is allowed, it remains a longer-term prospect.

Germany abandoned earlier national e-SAF quotas after EU-wide mandates took effect. Most e-SAF production projects in Europe and worldwide are still in early stages, with industry calling for clearer regulations and more support to encourage investment.