ICAO, IRENA Launch Portal to Accelerate Aviation’s Net Zero Transition
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has unveiled the landmark Finvest@ETAF portal, a pioneering platform designed to accelerate aviation’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions.
The portal, launched as part of ICAO’s Innovation Fair in Montréal, serves as a key component of the organisation’s Finvest Hub – an initiative aimed at addressing one of the most pressing challenges in air transport decarbonisation: unlocking finance for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and low-carbon aviation projects.
ICAO Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar, hailed the launch as “a significant milestone in aviation’s net zero carbon emission journey,” stressing that the partnership with IRENA would “facilitate financial resources through the ICAO Finvest@ETAF portal, for scaling up SAF and other cleaner energy solutions.”
According to Salazar, the platform is “a first-of-its-kind gateway between project developers and financiers.” He explained that its matchmaking function, guided by ICAO’s sustainability criteria, would help de-risk investments while maintaining environmental integrity.
The Finvest@ETAF initiative is envisioned as a global mechanism to ensure a strong pipeline of projects across all regions. Project developers worldwide are now invited to submit proposals through the portal.
“The success of Finvest@ETAF will depend on a strong pipeline of projects from every region. Working together through Finvest@ETAF, we can achieve our vision of offering green and vibrant air transport to all,” Salazar added.
Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, underscored the importance of innovation in his remarks at the Innovation Fair, stating: “Innovation is providing the foundation for continued progress and sustainable development for future generations.”
The Innovation Fair itself provided a vibrant global platform for stakeholders to advance policy ideas and strengthen partnerships critical to achieving ICAO’s Long-Term Strategic Plan, which envisages zero fatalities and net zero carbon emissions in air transport worldwide by mid-century.
Participants engaged in dynamic panels and hands-on demonstrations showcasing advancements in advanced air mobility, digitalisation, automation, and sustainable fuels.
The fair also spotlighted the contributions of youth and diversity in shaping aviation’s transformation, with the ICAO Innovation Competition presenting bold, youth-driven solutions.
Looking ahead, discussions from the Innovation Fair will inform negotiations at the ICAO Assembly, set to open tomorrow at the organisation’s headquarters in Montréal, where states will deliberate on binding resolutions concerning innovation and sustainability.
