Maria Girich, Researcher, International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute, noted in a commentary for Vedomosti publication a huge Russia’s potential in the development of bioeconomy, especially in production of aviation biofuel.
"Russia's advantage in developing the bioeconomy is its vast resource base," the expert emphasized, reminding on the country's significant forest and peat reserves.
Maria Girich believes that Russia could focus on exporting aviation biofuel by producing it from agricultural and forestry waste: “Starting from 2027, the CORSIA payment mechanism for emissions developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization will be launched in more than 100 countries worldwide. Airlines whose aircraft emit more than 10.000 metric tons of CO2 per year from international aviation and whose aircraft have maximum weight over 5.700 kg, should offset their emissions. Instead of offsetting emissions, companies can switch to SAF (sustainable aviation fuel recognized by CORSIA). This requirement will specifically apply to Russian airlines operating international flights," she said.
The expert noted that despite small share of low-carbon aviation fuel used in global flights, “biofuel production projects could become one of the priority funding measures.” She emphasized that agricultural and forestry waste (wood chips, straw, sawdust), agricultural raw materials (e.g., grain of class 5 and below), cellulose-containing crops, industrial organic waste, etc. can serve as raw materials for such fuel. Maria Girich also focused on large amounts of arable land and wood waste in Russia suitable for biofuel production.