The SAF paradox: Can we scale beyond the feedstock ceiling?

​Teaser
Aviation is hitting a "feedstock ceiling" just as mandates tighten, creating a high-stakes gap between regulatory pressure and industrial reality. While traditional bio-based fuels are maxing out, the next multi-billion-euro opportunity lies in synthetic Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technologies that remain trapped in the "valley of death" between lab and scale. This session challenges the assumption that current supply chains can meet Net Zero targets and dives into the technical and financial hurdles of first-of-a-kind (FOAK) refineries. We will debate whether the "green premium" is a permanent barrier or a temporary bridge for deep-tech breakthroughs. Join us to move beyond the SAF hype, exchange hard truths on scalability, and identify the innovations that will actually keep the industry airborne in 2026 and beyond.

Why is this topic relevant?
The SAF market could surge from $4bn in 2026 to $170bn by 2035, driven by regulatory mandates and a 5.8m tonne production gap. Investing in synthetic fuels and Power-to-Liquid infrastructure offers high returns, major CO₂ reductions, and the chance to turn renewable energy and captured carbon into valuable domestic assets—a rare ESG and economic opportunity in transport. For the bold investor, SAF represents the ultimate ESG arbitrage: a chance to de-risk a trillion-dollar industry while securing a cleaner, more equitable future for global mobility.

The session will take place on the ENERGIA Planet at VENTURE SPRIND 2026, held at Futurium in Berlin. You will need a VENTURE SPRIND ticket to enter the venue and attend the session.
If you don’t have one yet but are an active investor, just drop us a line at [email protected] - there’s a good chance we can sort you out with a ticket. Availability is limited.