Commercial aircraft using 100% sustainable aviation fuel
The aviation industry has realized its significant impact on climate change and is embarking on an ambitious decarbonization journey. The industry has collectively committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with some airlines aiming for 2040.
At present, the aviation industry accounts for approximately 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, mainly due to dependence on fossil fuels. If the industry continues to develop according to current trends, its emissions may reach 22% of global emissions by 2050. Therefore, adopting sustainable development strategies and climate solutions such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is crucial for achieving decarbonization goals.
Significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
Flight measurements of A350 aircraft using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have shown a significant reduction in particulate emissions and wake ice crystal formation compared to using traditional aviation fuel Global model simulations estimate that using 100% SAF can reduce the impact of wakes on climate by 26%.
Neste’s Vice President of Renewable Aviation Business, Alexander Kueper, stated that SAF is widely recognized as a key solution for mitigating the aviation industry’s climate impact, both in the short and long term. The ECLIF3 research results confirm that the use of 100% SAF significantly reduces the impact on climate due to the lack of aromatic agents in the SAF used by Neste, and provide additional scientific data to support the use of SAF at concentrations higher than the currently approved 50%.
Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Flight: Benefits and Precautions
The benefits of sustainable aviation fuel
1.Reduce lifecycle carbon emissions
Compared to traditional aviation fuels, SAF can significantly reduce lifecycle carbon emissions. Depending on the different raw materials, SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80%, significantly reducing the carbon intensity of the aviation industry.
2.Promote air purification
The advantage of SAF begins with its production process. The biological raw materials used to manufacture SAF absorb carbon dioxide during the growth process, making the fuel more sustainable. SAF emits fewer harmful pollutants and contains less sulfur and aromatic components, making aircraft engines burn cleaner and produce less pollution than traditional fuels.
3.Compatible with existing aircraft
SAF is a “plug and play” fuel. It is mixed with up to 50% traditional jet fuel and can be used without any modifications to existing aircraft or infrastructure. This enables airlines to seamlessly transition to this low-carbon alternative. In the long run, with the growth of SAF technology and investment, it is expected that new commercial jet engines compatible with 100% SAF will emerge.
4.Create new economic opportunities
The continuous growth of SAF demand will ultimately promote supply and create economic opportunities, especially in rural communities where raw materials are grown. In addition, expanding SAF production will require more production factories, and with the development of these infrastructure, it will bring employment opportunities.
5.Enhance energy security
SAF can be produced from various renewable resources, thereby reducing the industry’s dependence on fossil fuels. This diversification helps achieve long-term energy security, providing more stable and predictable fuel supply even in turbulent oil markets.
Precautions
1.High cost of scale production
Currently, SAF is more expensive than traditional aviation fuel. The main challenge is to achieve economies of scale to reduce production costs and the high specialized processing costs required for biofuels. However, with the increasing demand for SAF and technological advancements, the aviation industry expects SAF to be more economically viable.
2.Limited supply and manufacturing restrictions
Obtaining SAF is a major obstacle. The production, distribution, and refueling infrastructure of SAF has not yet been popularized. The number of airports that can obtain physical SAF is limited, and transporting fuel will increase the lifecycle emissions of the fuel. In places where physical fuel cannot be obtained, systems such as “booking and receiving” are crucial for the adoption of SAF.
3.Raw material selection and availability
At present, the diversity of SAF raw materials on the market is limited. This situation is expected to change, as different raw materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the coming years, large-scale identification and procurement of suitable raw materials will be a continuous topic of discussion.
Global attention
The aviation industry is facing severe challenges on the road to decarbonization. The growth of the aviation industry is driven by the increasing demand for air travel, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making the transition to alternative energy sources complex. Including the impact of wake (condensed water vapor wake generated by jet engines), the aviation industry contributes 4% to global warming, highlighting the need for urgent action to achieve the Paris Agreement The necessity of achieving a global warming target of 1.5 ° C.
Regulatory framework
Stricter regulations and compliance measures are crucial for achieving net zero emissions. Governments around the world are taking measures such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA),stabilize the net carbon dioxide emissions of international flights. These regulations require the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint and incentivize efforts to accelerate sustainable development.
