Key facts
- China announced 16 new sustainable aviation fuel projects in the first half of 2026.
- China's SAF expansion is state-backed.
- Sinopec and CNPC are leading companies in China's SAF expansion.
- The expansion may tighten global supplies of key SAF feedstocks.
- European airlines rely on these feedstocks for SAF production.
China is undertaking a significant expansion of its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity. In the first half of 2026 alone, 16 new SAF projects were announced within the country. This rapid buildout is state-backed and involves major Chinese energy corporations, including Sinopec and CNPC. The expansion is anticipated to increase demand for key feedstocks used in SAF production. This heightened demand could potentially tighten global supplies of these essential raw materials. European airlines, which depend on these feedstocks for their own SAF initiatives, may face challenges in securing adequate supply due to China's growing consumption. The development signals a major shift in the global SAF landscape, with China emerging as a dominant player in production capacity.