SkyNRG, Microsoft launch project Runway SAF book-and-claim system

From the Netherlands comes news that SkyNRG is launching Project Runway. an initiative brings together airlines and corporates to navigate the complexities of SAF procurement. Microsoft is joining as a founding member.

Under the Book & Claim approach, Project Runway not only allows airlines access to SAF, but also allows them to share the SAF price premium with ambitious corporates aiming to reduce their own Scope 3 aviation emissions. With SkyNRG providing highly sustainable SAF1 and founding project member Microsoft acting as the initial Scope 3 SAF claims buyer, airlines can be confident in proceeding on their SAF journey. Through Project Runway, airlines can adopt a robust SAF strategy, overcome complexities of early SAF procurement and take action with confidence. SkyNRG’s extensive experience and the use of Book & Claim make it easy to purchase SAF. This Project enables airlines to access all the resources and information they need to reach their voluntary SAF goals ahead of any future obligations.

SkyNRG sees the need for a shift to a broader adoption of SAF strategies and believe access to and expansion of capacity go hand in hand. Project Runway provides a programmatic approach to further broaden and diversify the SAF market; the addition of new players will support the adoption of recently set Book & Claim registries and shape the development of accounting frameworks. SkyNRG is committed to providing education and, support where needed, as well as acting as a trustworthy partner and advisor.

Reaction from the Stakeholders

“Project Runway will enable a global SAF market transformation that we see as essential to decarbonizing air travel,” said Julia Fidler – Environmental Sustainability – Fuel and Materials Decarbonization Lead, Microsoft: “Microsoft is proud to add this important SAF initiative to its portfolio of support, and thanks to their proven sustainability leadership, creativity and credibility, SkyNRG is the ideal host for on this project.”

Theye Veen – Chief Commercial Officer of SkyNRG added, “Project Runway continues SkyNRG’s track record of market leading initiatives and takes the next step towards building up SAF capacity for aviation to meet its 2050 net zero commitment2. In collaboration with Microsoft, we’re offering the opportunity for airlines to access reliable guidance, more sustainable fuels and shared costs, ensuring their SAF journey takes off with a strong tailwind.”

Background on Book & Claim

The corporate partners and partner airlines will be able to purchase the related SAF certificates on a Book & Claim basis. With Project Runway, airlines who don’t yet have access to SAF can adopt a robust SAF strategy, overcome the complexities of early SAF procurement and purchase SAF claims on a Book & Claim basis to reduce their GHG emissions from flying.  

The Book & Claim process allows airlines and companies to buy and use the benefits of SAF (“claim”), while the physical fuels are consumed (“booked”) somewhere else.

This system is used in the renewable electricity sector because green electrons cannot be tracked along the grid. To solve this problem, Book & Claim systems were developed to allow customers to claim a specific amount of renewable energy by contracting mechanisms that are validated by renewable energy certificates. Electricity providers can enter or “book” the renewable electricity they have produced in their systems and customers can “claim” the green energy they have bought. Consumers will then receive a certificate stating the amount of renewable electricity they paid for. Book & Claim for SAF works in the same way.

What is Book & Claim for SAF?

SAF is not always available at the specific airport where an airline wants to use it. Instead, producers supply SAF into an airport to which they have physical access. The physical SAF is then separated from the environmental benefits/claims. A chain-of-custody model tracks and documents these environmental benefits of SAF. This accounting system is commonly referred to as “Book & Claim” and is a virtual solution to a physical problem based on a oneatmosphere approach. All SAF is used by an airplane, and as far as the environment is concerned, it doesn’t matter where the SAF is entered into the system or where it is used, as long as it is used instead of fossil jet fuel. This helps to incentivize the production of SAF and effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

In short, Scope 1 SAF Claims are sold to airlines, Scope 3 Claims are sold to corporate business travel or air freight users. Then, the physical fuel de-coupled from environmental attributes at blending and sold as fossil equivalent to airlines