Xinda Securities·2025-12-27 15:21Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, consistent with the previous rating [2]. Core Insights - The demand for SAF is rapidly increasing, driven by strong EU regulations and rising prices. As of December 16, 2025, European SAF prices reached $2300-$2320 per ton, a 25% increase since the beginning of the year, while domestic prices rose to $2100-$2300 per ton, up 24% [4][8]. - The HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) process currently dominates the market, but other technologies like PtL (Power-to-Liquid) show significant long-term cost reduction potential. McKinsey predicts cost reductions of 22% for HEFA, 32% for ATJ (Alcohol-to-Jet), 24% for FT (Fischer-Tropsch), and 67% for PtL from 2020 to 2050 [4][24]. - Global SAF blending policies are accelerating, with significant increases in production and consumption expected. IATA forecasts that by 2025, SAF production will reach 0.06 million tons, accounting for 2% of total fuel demand, and by 2050, global demand could reach 350 million tons [4][32]. - China's SAF industry is rapidly expanding, with an expected total capacity exceeding 10.65 million tons per year by 2027, positioning the country as a major global exporter [4][5]. Summary by Sections 1. Aviation Industry Decarbonization Drives SAF Demand - SAF prices are driven by supply and demand dynamics, with expectations of maintaining high levels in the future due to geopolitical factors and regulatory frameworks [8][11]. - The aviation sector's carbon emissions are significant, with a need for low-carbon fuel alternatives to meet decarbonization goals [12][15]. 2. Global SAF Blending Policies Accelerate Production and Consumption - The SAF industry is heavily influenced by policy drivers, with various countries implementing specific blending targets and incentives to support SAF adoption [32][33]. - The EU's ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates increasing SAF blending ratios, aiming for 2% by 2025 and 70% by 2050 [33]. 3. Investment Recommendations - Companies with established HEFA processes and early capacity releases are expected to benefit from rising demand and prices. Key companies to watch include HaiXin Energy, PengYao Environmental, ShanGao Environmental, and LangKun Technology [4][5].