Aviation DMDS helping green fuels take off

Q1: What is SAF? 

SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. It's a type of fuel made from renewable sources to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation transport. It aims to replace or blend with traditional jet fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability in the aviation industry.

What are the differences between SAF and conventional jet fuel?

The main difference between Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and conventional jet fuel is their respective carbon intensity. SAF is produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks, such as plant oils, waste fats and oils, agricultural residues, or forest residues. As a result, SAF has a lower carbon intensity than conventional jet fuel, which is derived from non-renewable sources such as crude oil.

What are the different types of SAF?

There are several types of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which are categorized based on their feedstocks and production processes. The main types of SAF include:
 

• Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA): HEFA is the most widely used type of SAF and is produced from vegetable oils or animal fats using a hydroprocessing technique. HEFA can be blended with traditional jet fuel or used as a drop-in replacement.
• Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Synthesized Kerosene: FT SAF is produced through a gasification process that converts biomass, natural gas, or coal into syngas, which is then converted into a liquid fuel using a Fischer-Tropsch process. FT SAF has a high energy density and can be used as a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel.
• Alcohol to Jet (ATJ): ATJ SAF is produced through the conversion of sugars and other carbohydrates into alcohols, which are then converted into a synthetic jet fuel. ATJ SAF can be blended with traditional jet fuel or used as a drop-in replacement.
• Pyrolysis Oil: Pyrolysis SAF is produced through the thermal decomposition of biomass into a liquid oil, which can be upgraded and refined into a drop-in fuel. Pyrolysis SAF has a lower carbon intensity than traditional jet fuel and can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including waste wood and agricultural residues.

HEFA route is the most mature process and is implemented for more than 15 years for the production of renewable diesel. A minor change of catalyst and process conditions change the process selectivity to SAF and current SAF production is mostly achieved through this route. In the future, the limited feedstocks availability will support other processes growth to meet the SAF market demand.
 

Q3: What are the challenges to the adoption of SAF? 

Production costs and scalability challenges

The production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) currently faces several challenges related to production costs and scalability.
 

• Production costs: The production of SAF requires more processing and refining than conventional jet fuel. This makes SAF more expensive to produce and currently limits its use to a small percentage of the aviation fuel market.
• Infrastructure: The production and distribution infrastructure for SAF is still in its early stages of development, with limited availability of production facilities and distribution networks.
• Feedstock availability: The availability of sustainable feedstocks for SAF production is limited, which can create competition for resources and drive up feedstock prices.
• Technology and innovation: The production of SAF is still in the early stages of development, and new technologies and processes are needed to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and increase scalability.
• Policy and regulatory frameworks: The development of a supportive policy and regulatory framework is critical to the development of the SAF market. Policies and regulations that support the production, distribution, and use of SAF can help to reduce production costs, increase scalability, and create a level playing field for SAF compared to conventional jet fuel. The most advanced regulations are the Inflation Reduction Act in United States and the “Fit for 55” package in Europe.

Consumer demand and awareness

Consumer demand for SAF is growing as individuals and organizations become more conscious of the environmental impact of air travel. Passengers and companies are increasingly seeking options that reduce carbon emissions, leading to a rising demand for flights powered by SAF. Increased awareness campaigns and education about SAF's benefits can further enhance consumer demand and encourage airlines to prioritize its use. Collaborative efforts between airlines, industry associations, and environmental organizations can help raise awareness and create a market where consumers actively choose airlines that prioritize SAF.
 

 

Q2: What are the benefits of SAF?

 

Environmental benefits of using SAF

The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in aviation has several environmental benefits, including:
 

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: SAF has a lower carbon intensity than traditional jet fuel, meaning that it emits fewer greenhouse gases when burned
• Improved air quality: SAF has a lower sulfur content than traditional jet fuel, which reduces the formation of sulfur oxides that contribute to air pollution.
• Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: SAF is produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks, such as plant oils, waste fats and oils, agricultural residues, or forest residues. This reduces the dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and promotes the use of locally sourced, sustainable feedstocks.
• Promotes circularity: SAF can be produced from waste materials, such as food and agricultural waste, which can help to reduce waste and promote circularity.
• Supports sustainability goals: The use of SAF is a key strategy for achieving the sustainability goals of the aviation industry, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and its long-term goal of reducing net aviation emissions to half of 2005 levels by 2050.

Economic benefits of using SAF
 

• Fuel price stability: SAF is produced from a variety of feedstocks, which can be sourced locally and are less susceptible to price fluctuations than crude oil, the main feedstock for conventional jet fuel.
• Improved energy security: The production of SAF from local feedstocks can improve energy security by reducing dependence on imported oil.
• Regulatory compliance: The use of SAF can help airlines comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
• Brand differentiation: Airlines that use SAF can differentiate themselves from competitors by promoting their commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.

Social benefits of using SAF

Improved health and well-being: SAF emits fewer pollutants, reduce air pollution and improve the health and well-being of communities around airports.
Increased access to clean energy: The production of SAF can provide new opportunities for local communities to access clean energy and promote energy security.
Job creation: The production and use of SAF can create new jobs in the bioenergy sector, from feedstock production and harvesting to processing and refining.
Community engagement and involvement: The development of SAF production facilities can involve local communities in decision-making processes and provide opportunities for community engagement and involvement.
Environmental justice: The use of SAF can contribute to environmental justice by reducing the negative impacts of aviation on marginalized communities, such as low-income and minority populations.

 

 

Q4: How the Aviation Industry support SAF adoption?

The role of the aviation industry in promoting SAF

The aviation industry promotes SAF through investments, operational integration, policy advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and raising awareness. By investing in SAF production, integrating it into operations, advocating for supportive policies, collaborating with stakeholders, and educating passengers, the industry drives the adoption of SAF and contributes to sustainable aviation.
Current and future outlook of SAF adoption in the aviation industry

The current outlook for SAF adoption in the aviation industry is promising, with increasing interest and investments. However, challenges such as limited production capacity and higher costs hinder widespread adoption. The future outlook is optimistic as advancements in technology, supportive policies, and growing consumer demand are expected to drive SAF production, reduce costs, and accelerate its integration into aviation operations, leading to a more sustainable aviation industry.
Potential impact of SAF on the aviation industry and the environment

The potential impact of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on the aviation industry and the environment is significant. SAF has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and mitigate the environmental impact of air travel. Its adoption can help the aviation industry achieve sustainability goals, comply with emissions regulations, and enhance its environmental reputation. SAF can contribute to a more sustainable and greener aviation sector, fostering a transition towards a low-carbon future.