XCF Global Capital, a leader in sustainable energy solutions, has announced the start of commercial production for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its subsidiary New Rise Renewables, marking a critical step in efforts to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint.
The company confirmed it has secured an irrevocable purchase agreement with an unnamed buyer for over 3 million gallons of “neat” SAF—a 100% renewable fuel blend—with initial shipments set to begin in March 2025.
The milestone follows years of research and development, positioning XCF to meet surging demand for cleaner aviation alternatives as airlines scramble to comply with global net-zero targets. SAF, which can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, is seen as pivotal for decarbonizing air travel, though production scalability and cost remain persistent hurdles.
“This isn’t just a product launch—it’s a blueprint for transforming an industry,” said XCF CEO Mihir Dange, emphasizing the technical rigor behind New Rise’s operations. The facility’s output will initially focus on supplying corporate and commercial clients, with plans to expand capacity as regulatory mandates tighten. The European Union’s ReFuelEU initiative, which requires airlines to blend 6% SAF by 2030, and similar U.S. incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act have created a $15 billion global market, yet SAF still accounts for less than 0.2% of total jet fuel consumption.
Analysts note XCF’s entry into commercial production signals growing viability for waste-to-fuel technologies. Unlike competitors reliant on feedstocks like cooking oil or agricultural residues, New Rise’s proprietary process reportedly converts non-food biomass into fuel, sidestepping ethical concerns over resource competition. However, critics caution that widespread SAF adoption hinges on resolving infrastructure gaps, such as limited refining and distribution networks.
The aviation industry’s reliance on SAF has also sparked debate about prioritization. While airlines like Delta and United have pledged billions to secure SAF supplies, environmental groups argue that reducing air travel demand through policy or high-speed rail investment should take precedence.
For now, XCF’s progress underscores a broader shift: once a niche solution, SAF is becoming a linchpin of aviation’s climate strategy. With the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasting SAF production to triple by 2025, the success of ventures like New Rise could determine whether the sector meets its 2050 net-zero pledge—or remains grounded by unmet promises.
