The United States airline industry has committed to reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 50% by 2050. This goal has generated considerable demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to replace fossil fuels. For example, in 2019, about 23 billion gallons were used in the United States to fuel commercial, military, and civilian planes. However, global usage reached 95 billion gallons during the same year.
Currently, SAFs constitute only 0.1% of jet fuel used and are plagued by challenges like high cost and uneven supply chains. Nonetheless, the industry is expected to grow with increased demand for aviation biofuel. At this time, U.S.-based companies like LanzaTech, LanzaJet, Fulcrum BioEnergy, and World Energy, as well as Finnish oil Neste, SkyNRG from the Netherlands, and others, are directly selling SAF directly to United Airlines, American, Delta, and JetBlue. Alternatively, aviation fuel is sold through partnerships with oil companies like Exxon or Shell.
SAFs are produced through microbial fermentation of non-fossil fuel materials such as industrial, agricultural, and food waste. When blended with traditional jet fuel, SAFs could cut CO2 emissions by as much as 80%.
Additionally, The Wall Street Journal reported the European Union Aviation Safety Agency estimates SAFs can reduce emissions by up to 80% with a decarbonized supply chain.
On July 7, 2023, the Virgin Atlantic-led consortium announced the world’s first 100% SAF flight will take off from London to New York trip this November, pending further regulatory approvals and testing. One of the hurdles passed was the ground test on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine using a SAF blend of 88% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and 12% aromatics, which, according to QSCIENCE, is used to enhance the density and elastomer swelling properties. After the successful engine test, air bp and Virent fuel suppliers committed to supplying 60 tonnes of SAF for the transatlantic flight.
Scientists Rush to Create Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Energy Portal says the aviation industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, commercial flights account for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions.
Since there is an urgent need to reduce the world’s carbon footprint, developing SAFs has become essential in the quest for sustainable skies.
As a result, governments, airlines, and fuel producers have increasingly invested in SAF research, development, and implementation.
Furthermore, now that the United States airline industry has committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2050, scientists are pressured to create SAFs. However, researchers must develop these new fuels using consistent methods. Doing so will ensure that every plane can successfully use any of the SAFs at any given time in any country.
Written by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
USDA: Green Jet Fuel Takes Off
IATA: Our Commitment to Fly Net Zero by 2050
The Wall Street Journal: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Leader Talks Green Premiums and Impact of Tax Incentives; By Dieter Holger
The Wall Street Journal: The Race to Invent a Greener Jet Fuel; By Ted Anton
Travel Pulse: Environmental Defense Fund: Not All Sustainable Aviation Fuels Are Created Equal; By Mia Taylor
Energy Portal: Sustainable Skies: The Rise of Renewable Jet Fuels
Advanced Biofuels Association: World First 100% SAF Transatlantic Flight Taxis Closer To Takeoff
Featured and Top Image by Jan Vasek Courtesy of Unsplash
First Inset Image by Jakob Rosen Courtesy of Unsplash
Second Inset Image by Trust “Tru” Katsande Courtesy of Unsplash
