Why Europe and China Must Collaborate to Meet Net Zero

Whenever China is mentioned in Western political debates, the focus often shifts to national security concerns or economic competition. But behind this narrative — largely driven by politics — lies a reality we all quietly accept: China is the manufacturing hub of the world. From smartphones to solar panels, nearly every household in the West owns something made in China.

But climate change isn’t political. It doesn’t care about geography, ideology, or rivalry. Floods, wildfires, and rising temperatures don’t discriminate between continents or political systems. That’s why the push to achieve Net Zero by 2050 must transcend political narratives — and focus on what actually works. It’s time for Europe and China to cooperate, not compete, especially in critical sectors like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

According to the recent SkyNRG SAF Market Outlook, global demand for SAF is expected to triple beyond 2030, reaching 40 million metric tons by 2035. The expected global capacity by then? Only 18 million tons — leaving a staggering 26 million ton shortfall. This is not a challenge any region can solve alone. Collaboration is not optional; it’s urgent.

Why China Matters

China brings significant strengths to the SAF conversation:

Cheaper Feedstock Supply: China has access to large volumes of low-cost used cooking oil (UCO) and waste fats — key raw materials for HEFA-SAF production.
Speed & Scale of Refinery Construction: With quicker government approvals, stronger private-sector mobilization, and streamlined infrastructure planning, SAF refineries in China are being built faster and more affordably than anywhere else.
Advanced R&D Investments: Chinese companies and research institutions are investing heavily in next-gen refining technologies to process lower-grade fats and waste materials efficiently.
Export Readiness: Several facilities are already ISCC-certified and REACH-registered, meaning they can export to Europe today — not in 2028.

Why Europe Needs China — and Vice Versa

Europe leads in climate policy, compliance mechanisms, and demand-side commitments like ReFuelEU. Airlines are under growing pressure to meet SAF blending mandates. But capacity lags behind — and will for years without bridging supply from outside Europe.

Meanwhile, China has supply but needs consistent offtake partners and clear frameworks for cross-border cooperation. A collaborative ecosystem — where China produces and supports Europe’s SAF consumption, with traceability, certification, and environmental integrity — is the only path forward.

This is not about ego. It’s about the planet.

Climate Has No Borders

If the mission is truly to stop climate catastrophe, we must set aside political framing and build alliances that accelerate decarbonization. Europe, America and China are the three biggest players in this race. Working together, they can close the SAF supply gap, bring down costs, and lead the world toward a cleaner, safer future.

Because in the end, climate action is not a competition. It’s a collaboration for survival.

By David C. Arinze
Managing Partner | Shaphargroup
Renewable Energy Strategist | UCO & SAF Advocate
📩 david.c@shaphargroup.com