IEA – Towards Common Criteria for Sustainable Fuels, 2024

The report to the IEA's report emphasizes the importance of sustainable fuels in clean energy transitions, highlighting their role in decarbonizing sectors and contributing to energy diversification and security. However, the report notes that current sustainable fuel options are not on track for a net zero pathway. The report discusses the need for a common understanding of what makes a fuel sustainable, as existing frameworks and certification schemes vary in their definitions and do not provide consistent quantitative information on greenhouse gas emissions. The report, produced in support of Brazil's G20 Presidency, explores the feasibility of establishing common criteria for sustainable fuels to enable fair comparisons. It maps the standards, regulations, and certifications used for sustainable fuels globally, reviews carbon intensities and potential improvements in fuel production pathways, and suggests policy considerations for governments seeking to implement common criteria for sustainable fuels.