AB-2025-06982 - CARBON OFFSETTING AND REDUCTION SCHEME FOR INTERNATIONAL AVIATION (CORSIA) CERTIFICATION FOR ALBERTA-BASED PATHWAYS

The Government of Alberta is working to enable the advancement of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or low carbon jet fuel development in Alberta. As a part of this initiative, the government will support the development and submission of a Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) certification application for one or more SAF pathways. Achieving CORSIA certification will improve competitiveness and marketability of Canadian SAF and feedstocks, enabling compliance with international airlines emission reduction requirements and strengthening Alberta’s position in the emerging global SAF market. The project will focus on assessing readiness of Alberta’s SAF industry and feedstock supply chain for certification, including farmers, processors and refiners, where applicable. By establishing a certification pathway, Alberta can position itself as a first mover in Canada, with the potential to support the country’s first CORSIA-compliant SAF. This could increase demand for feedstocks, strengthen local supply chains, and enhance the reputation of Alberta-sourced materials, create new economic opportunities, and help producers access additional federal and provincial support programs. The development of SAF is accelerating as production and adoption grow. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) as a mechanism to help the aviation sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Under CORSIA, airlines must offset emissions that exceed 2020 levels either though carbon credits or by using CORSIA-compliant SAF. Starting in 2027, CORSIA participation will become mandatory for most ICAO member states, a change expected to significantly increase demand for SAF certified under CORSIA. Canadian airlines currently rely on SAF imports due to lack of domestic production. To meet these pending objectives and capitalize on SAF’s near-term emissions reduction potential, Canada must establish a certified domestic supply. Alberta’s abundant agricultural residues, advanced refining and carbon capture infrastructure, and supportive policies position the province to lead in SAF production.