Longyan Zhuoyue New Energy (SH:688196) Guoxin Securities·2025-09-18 11:29Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, indicating expected performance above the market average [2][7]. Core Insights - The demand for SAF is primarily driven by policy initiatives, particularly in the EU, which mandates a 2% blending ratio by 2025, with a long-term goal of 70% by 2050. The IATA projects that SAF demand could reach 358 million tons by 2050, indicating significant growth potential [3][11]. - There is a notable supply-demand gap in the European SAF market, with consumption expected to reach 1.9 million tons this year against a production capacity of only 1 million tons. This gap is likely to be filled by producers in the Asia-Pacific region, including China, which has the potential to significantly increase its SAF production capacity [3][13]. - The high cost of SAF compared to traditional jet fuel has led to a general reluctance among airlines to adopt it. However, the EU's stringent blending requirements are pushing airlines to increase their SAF procurement, resulting in a rapid price increase for SAF [4][18]. - The report recommends investing in "Zhuoyue New Energy" and related SAF companies, highlighting Zhuoyue as a leading domestic biodiesel producer with significant SAF production capacity planned [4][26]. Summary by Sections Market Dynamics - As of September 17, the price of high-end SAF in China reached $2,480 per ton, a 55% increase from $1,800 per ton at the beginning of the year. This price surge is attributed to the scarcity of SAF raw materials and the unchanged mandatory blending targets [3][21]. - The European market is experiencing a significant increase in SAF consumption, with a projected 216% year-on-year growth, while the production capacity remains limited [13][18]. Policy Framework - The EU has established comprehensive SAF application targets and carbon reduction goals, with regulations mandating a 2% SAF blend starting in 2025 and a long-term goal of 70% by 2050 [5][10]. - Other countries, including the UK, the US, Japan, and South Korea, are also implementing policies to promote SAF usage, with specific blending targets set for the coming years [6][8][9]. Production Capacity - China is expected to play a crucial role in filling the SAF production gap in Europe, with domestic companies planning to establish over 1 million tons of SAF production capacity by the end of 2024 [3][13]. - The report outlines various projects across China, detailing planned and existing SAF production capacities, indicating a robust growth trajectory for the industry [14][17].