The project analysed the socio-technical, policy-related and environmental opportunities and barriers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) including both advanced biofuels and electro-fuels, electric aviation and green hydrogen. The project had an interdisciplinary approach with roots in industrial economics and management, political science and life cycle assessment (LCA). 3 PhD students successfully passed their PhDs in September, October and December 2025 as part of the Energy Agency’s Forskarskola Energisystem (FoES). The methods used for this research included expert interviews, focus group discussions, policy analysis, data analysis and LCA.
The SETA project identified opportunities to mitigate aviation emissions through up-scaling SAF, electric propulsion and green hydrogen, but implementation is hindered by technological, infrastructural, economic, social, political and environmental barriers.
The study shows that SAF is already used as a drop-in fuel at many Swedish and international airports, with growing investments and off-take agreements. Strong European policies such as ReFuelEU Aviation, Fit for 55 and the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), together with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), provide long-term frameworks for scaling SAF, although production remains limited and costs high. Overcoming these barriers requires targeted investment, risk-sharing and supportive policy instruments.
Small electric 2-seater aircraft already operate in Sweden, and hybrid-electric aircraft for regional routes may operate commercially in a few years, after certification of new aircrafts, improvements in battery technology and expansion of charging infrastructure. Electric aviation could strengthen regional connectivity, including to islands.
Hydrogen-based aviation faces delays and major challenges in aircraft design, large-scale hydrogen production, transport and storage, and requires large amounts of renewable electricity. While SAF, electric propulsion and green hydrogen can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, burden-shifting to other environmental impacts may occur, such as mineral depletion.
In Sweden, social movements like “flight shame” have gained traction, contributing to reduced air travel and increased train use, and aviation has become politically polarised.
Overcoming these challenges requires stable long-term policy frameworks and predictable financial instruments to support the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner fuels and technologies. In conclusion, sustainability transitions in Swedish aviation are emerging, but more political, economic and social support is needed to scale them beyond technical solutions.