Switzerland has taken a relevant step regarding Power-to-X technologies and sustainable aviation. With the amended CO₂ Act in force since January 2025, the country will fully adopt the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation (RFEUA) starting in January 2026. This move shall ensure that Swiss airlines, fuel suppliers, and airports operate under the same framework as their European counterparts .
What the Regulation Means
The RFEUA sets harmonised rules for the supply and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) across Europe. It requires aviation fuel suppliers to blend a minimum percentage of SAF into their conventional fuels, while aircraft operators must comply with fuelling obligations. Airports are also obliged to provide access to SAF, making it easier for airlines to use them.
In Switzerland, the rules will initially apply to Geneva and Zurich Airports, where fuel suppliers must ensure at least 2% SAF blending from 2026. This quota will gradually increase in line with EU targets. Certificates of origin will be used to verify compliance, ensuring that SAF meets the sustainability standards defined by the Renewable Energy Directive.
Who Will Be Affected?
Fuel suppliers such as BP, Shell, and Swiss International Air Lines (as a supplier) are included in the new obligations. Airlines like SWISS, Edelweiss, and EasyJet Switzerland will be required to meet the fuelling and reporting obligations. Airports in Zurich and Geneva must provide infrastructure that enables SAF distribution.
The first reporting period begins in 2026, with compliance reports due in 2027. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) will act as Switzerland’s competent authority, working closely with European institutions to ensure smooth implementation.
Why It Matters for Power-to-X
This development highlights the role of Power-to-X technologies in the aviation sector. SAF produced via Power-to-Liquid pathways—where renewable hydrogen is combined with captured CO₂—offers a scalable solution for defossilising aviation. By aligning with the EU framework, Switzerland not only supports its own climate targets but also strengthens its aviation industry’s competitiveness in a global market moving towards greener fuels.
Next Steps
FOCA will provide further guidelines and workshops in the coming months to assist stakeholders with the transition. The adoption of RFEUA in Switzerland represents a milestone for sustainable aviation and Power-to-X innovation, ensuring that the country remains aligned with European efforts to build a climate-neutral transport system.
Source: Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), Information on the adoption of the RFEUA in Switzerland, July 29, 2025.
Our member, the eFuel Alliance acknowledges the importance of the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation in jumpstarting the market for synthetic aviation fuels (e-kerosene), recognizing it as a vital step toward decarbonizing aviation . However, they raise significant concerns over the economic burden and competitive disadvantages this framework may impose. They emphasize that higher costs of e-fuels compared to fossil alternatives necessitate robust legal frameworks and financial support mechanisms, the lack of which are currently massive obstacles to final investment decisions.
Dear Peter,
Could you or the eFuel Alliance elaborate a bit more on the “economic burden and competitive disadvantages this framework may impose”? Furthermore, I am curious to hear which “financial support mechanism” you have in mind?
With kind regards,
Robin
Yes, of course. In short: criteria for renewable electricity are so strict that they are almost impossible to meet, especially in the future. If the same criteria would apply to electric vehicles, no such vehicle would be considered as CO2 neutral. Second, the carbon sources criteria are unnecessarily strict. While it will not be allowed to use point sources of non avoidable CO2 emissions after a certain date, it will be allowed to capture the same molecules a hundred meters away from the atmosphere under the use of a lot more energy and higher costs. The line between the use and ban of point sources should be drawn along the question whether such use creates a business model that leads to higher input of CO2 into the atmosphere or not or whether it delays the net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. Also, a future increase of recycled Power-to-X products in waste should be taken into account, as it will increase the renewable share, even if not biogenic. Last but not least there is no grandfathering guaranteed for investments. Politics may change and investments get lost. It’s all too risky for investors. You can find detailed information on the website of the eFuel Alliance. May we ask what else you might want to know or why you are interested in this topic?