ACI Outlines Role of Renewable Diesel in Reducing Airport Emissions

Why It Matters

Renewable diesel offers a pragmatic bridge to net‑zero aviation by delivering immediate emissions cuts where electrification is difficult. Its adoption accelerates industry progress toward the 2050 carbon‑neutral goal and demonstrates scalable financing models for green fuel projects.

Key Takeaways

• Renewable diesel cuts lifecycle emissions up to 95% versus conventional diesel
• Changi Airport trial achieved 81% emissions reduction using used cooking oil feedstock
• Hong Kong Intl Airport in Asia to use renewable diesel ground equipment
• Joint procurement via Working Group lowers fuel cost, backed by $2.6M fund
• 80% of surveyed airports have not yet adopted renewable diesel

Pulse Analysis

Aviation accounts for roughly 2% of global CO₂ emissions, and ground‑support equipment (GSE) contributes a disproportionate share of airport‑side pollutants. Renewable diesel—derived from waste oils, animal fats, or plant‑based feedstocks—offers a drop‑in replacement for conventional diesel, preserving existing engine fleets while delivering up to a 95% reduction in well‑to‑wheel greenhouse‑gas intensity. This characteristic makes it especially attractive for heavy‑duty vehicles, tugs, and baggage tractors that are not yet viable candidates for full electrification, positioning renewable diesel as a critical interim fuel in the sector’s decarbonisation roadmap.

The webinar’s two case studies illustrate tangible outcomes. Changi Airport’s seven‑month trial of ten GSE units powered by renewable diesel produced an estimated 81% drop in lifecycle emissions, leveraging used cooking oil collected on‑site—a model that turns waste into value while improving fuel efficiency. Hong Kong International Airport became the first Asian hub to adopt the fuel across its ground fleet in 2024, supported by a $2.6 million Greenovation Fund and a Renewable Diesel Working Group that aggregates demand from ten partners to negotiate lower prices. These initiatives demonstrate that coordinated procurement and targeted subsidies can overcome cost barriers and accelerate market penetration.

Looking ahead, the ACI’s commitment to knowledge‑sharing signals a broader industry shift toward blended decarbonisation strategies that combine alternative fuels, electrification, and operational efficiencies. As more airports adopt renewable diesel, data on performance, cost‑effectiveness, and emissions impact will refine best‑practice guidelines, encouraging regulators and investors to back similar programs. By 2028, widespread renewable diesel use on hard‑to‑electrify equipment could deliver millions of tonnes of CO₂ savings, bringing the aviation sector closer to its net‑zero 2050 ambition while maintaining operational reliability.