Welcome to the Alliance
The Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance is an initiative dedicated to advancing the production and supply of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the aviation and waterborne sectors. We are a crucial component of the FuelEU Maritime and RefuelEU Aviation Regulations, working hand-in-hand to drive the transition towards a more sustainable future.
Who We Are
The Alliance is a collaborative effort that began on April 6, 2022. It brings together a diverse range of stakeholders from the transport fuels and related value chains. Our members include industry leaders, technology and finance providers, civil society organisations, government bodies, and more. We connect both the supply and demand sides of the aviation and waterborne sectors, as well as various stakeholders engaged in fuels production and related activities.
Our Vision
The objective of the Alliance is to ensure that aviation and waterborne transport have sufficient access to renewable and low carbon fuels, while taking into account the future use of these fuels in road transport, and thus contribute to the reduction in the transport sector’s GHG emissions by 90 percent by 2050. Currently, supply of these fuels is very limited and concentrated on road transport leaving aviation and waterborne transport far behind. Demand will quickly grow due to regulatory requirements of ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime. Therefore, particular focus is needed to develop fuel production, storage and distribution capacity for aviation and waterborne transport.
Membership Benefits of RLCF Alliance
Collaboration & NetworkingConnect with industry leaders and policy makers.
Engage in knowledge-sharing.
Access exclusive events and roundtables.
Influence & ImpactShape industry initiatives.
Contribute to sustainability objectives.
Resources & SupportGrow projects’ visibility and bankability in the RLCF Pipeline.
Gain access to project development tools.
Learn about and access financial and technical assistance.
The RLCF Project Pipeline
The RLCF Alliance Project Pipeline is a pivotal initiative aimed at driving advancements in the development and operations of renewable and low-carbon fuel projects.
The pipeline provides a platform for project promoters to submit their innovative projects and join a network of industry leaders to jointly develop a supply chain for sustainable fuels. It supports industry efforts by offering matchmaking opportunities with up-stream and down-stream business partners, as well as connecting projects with potential financial supporters and policy makers.
Being part of this pipeline enhances project visibility and opens doors for strategic partnerships and collaborations; it also gives access to project development tools and link with possible technical assistance. Projects in the RLCF Pipeline benefit from higher visibility and a large network, supporting their projects’ growth, investment and business opportunities. Furthermore, projects in the pipeline can apply for the upcoming RLCF Alliance Seal of Excellence. This seal serves as a hallmark of quality and innovation, further cementing the status of those projects as frontrunners in the renewable and low-carbon fuel sector.
Complete Value Chain: all projects that can contribute to the future value chains of fuels supply for maritime and aviation sectors and fit in one or more project archetypes map. This includes sourcing, production, distribution and use of fuels, as well as any technology supplied that is needed for any stage in the value chain – including aircraft and vessels, refinery equipment, hydrogen production, CO2 sourcing and capture, etc.
Maturity: Projects can be at various stages of development, from early stages where you are looking for partners up-stream or down-stream, through projects who need financial backing, to projects near completion that need to increase visibility or off-taking.
Ownership: For projects located in the EU, the ownership of the production is not restricted. However, projects located outside EU can only be submitted if they are controlled by an EU entity or other significant link with the EU value chain can be demonstrated.
Location: Projects can be located in the EU or outside the EU. However, if your project is located outside EU and you are not an EU entity, additional justification of a link with the EU value chains will need to be demonstrated.
Scope of fuels: For projects that involve production or import of fuels would need to fall under the scope of technologies that can be used to fulfil legal requirements under the ReFuelEU Aviation or FuelEU Maritime regulations.
Destination of fuels: Projects that involve production of fuels and are located in the EU can produce maritime or aviation fuels for domestic uses or for exports. Projects located outside the EU need to demonstrate an intention to supply a majority of their production to parties who are obliged under the ReFuelEU Aviation or FuelEU Maritime, unless other significant links with the EU value chain can be demonstrated.
Sourcing of feedstock: As long as the feedstock is eligible under relevant EU legislation, projects can be supplied with feedstock for within the EU and outside.
Projects can be submitted by RLCF Alliance Members only. In case of projects involving multiple partners, all partners shall be members of the Alliance, or sign the alliance declaration at the same time with submission of the project to the pipeline.
Join Us in Our Mission
To become a member of the Alliance, an organisation must sign our declaration, which signifies their dedication to our shared vision. This commitment entails actively contributing to our operational work and collaborating to realise our goals. Together, we aim to make a significant impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, towards the overall objective of a 90% decrease by 2050.
The Alliance is open to all companies and organisations, EU bodies, EU Member States, local and regional authorities, social partner organisations, civil society groups, and members of Horizon Europe Partnerships. We remain committed to welcoming new members throughout our operation.
Membership Eligibility
The Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance welcomes a wide range of entities to join our collaborative effort. We believe that the collective strength of diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving our mission. Our membership is open to the following categories:
Companies and Organisations: Whether you're an industry leader, a technology provider, or an organisation involved in the value chain of renewable and low-carbon fuels, we encourage your participation.
EU Bodies and Agencies: We extend an invitation to EU bodies and agencies that share our vision and objectives.
Member States: National and regional authorities have a vital role to play in our mission, and we invite their participation.
Local and Regional Authorities and Their Agencies: Local governments and their affiliated agencies are encouraged to become members, contributing to the regional dimensions of our work.
Recognised Social Partner Organisations: Organisations recognised as social partners are pivotal in fostering collaboration, and we value their participation.
Other Stakeholder Groups: Various stakeholder groups, including academic institutions, research bodies, and other entities, are encouraged to join and bring their expertise to our collaborative platform.
Civil Society Organisations: We understand the importance of civil society and its role in shaping sustainable policies and practices. We welcome civil society organisations to join us.
Members of Horizon Europe Partnerships: Organisations and entities involved in Horizon Europe Partnerships, particularly those with a focus on sustainable transport, are invited to participate in our alliance.
Our Value Chain
The European aviation and maritime sectors rely on a complex value chain for sustainable fuel supply. It begins with feedstock sourcing, involving materials like biomass and waste, which undergo advanced conversion processes to create aviation and maritime fuels.
These fuels are then distributed to European airports and ports. Financial and technological support from investors, technology providers, and financial institutions is crucial. Governments and civil society organisations also play key roles in ensuring low-carbon and environmentally responsible fuels.
How the Alliance is set up
After more than two years of successful development and deliverables by the four thematic Roundtables, the Alliance has introduced a new structure to propose a more efficient working method at its General Assembly in December 2024. A Program and Monitoring Group (P&MG) is composed of 20 members following an internal call for expression of interest call. It has merged the former 4 Roundtables and will develop the work plan of the Alliance. In addition, more activities will involve all Alliance members (dissemination exercises), specific deliverables will be provided by ad-hoc task forces (e.g. the Labelling task force).
All members of the alliance have the right to participate in the General Assembly.
The General Assembly discusses and endorses the alliance work plan for the coming year, with operational objectives and milestones proposed by the P&MG. Members implement the work plan through specific task forces and disseminate the work in webinars or workshops. Their work is supported by an Alliance Secretariat.
Timeline
- 6 December 20243rd General Assembly of the RLCF Alliance
Open to Alliance members
- 3-6 September 2024RLCF Alliance matchmaking and showcasing at SMM in Hamburg
Open to Alliance members
- 6 June 2024RLCF alliance matchmaking and showcasing at ILA Berlin
Open to Alliance members
- 4 April 2024RLCF Alliance matchmaking and showcasing at Connect Europe Days
- 16 October 2023Second General Assembly meeting
Participation open to all the Alliance member organisations
- 22 September 2022Open call to delegate experts to participate in thematic roundtables
- 27 June 2022Proposal of the framework work plan
- 6 April 2022Open call for expressions of interest to join the Alliance
Recent Webinars
23 June 2023
27 June 2023
10 October 2023
22 January 2024
21 November 2024
6 February 2025
