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Sustainable Aviation Fuel, also known as SAF, is an alternative fuel made from non-petroleum feedstocks, specifically designed to reduce emissions from air transportation. Unlike traditional fossil-based jet fuels, SAF offers a more sustainable and environment-friendly option for powering aircraft. It is vitally important as it can address fuel decarbonization with the current infrastructure.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is produced through several advanced processes that convert renewable resources into fuel suitable for aircraft. It can be produced from a variety of non-petroleum-based renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, forestry waste, and energy crops, as well as waste oils and fats, including used cooking oil and animal fat.
SAF can be used in existing aircraft without any modifications to fuel infrastructure. SAF shares similar properties with regular jet fuel but has a fraction of carbon footprint of the jet fuel. Depending on production methods and feedstocks, SAF can achieve a net-negative greenhouse gas footprint. Its lower carbon intensity makes it a critical solution for reducing emissions in the aviation industry as air travel continues to expand and all the other promising technologies such as battery or hydrogen powered aircrafts decades away. Adopting SAF will play a pivotal role in achieving a more environmentally responsible and sustainable aviation sector.
There are three major routes to produce SAF – HEFA, Ethanol-to-Jet (EtJ), and FT-SPK. All the three fuels have a blending limit of up to 50% of the total fuel. As a 50% blend, this aviation fuel can be directly used in the current fleet of aircrafts. HEFA is currently most advanced but cannot be a solution alone to aid decarbonization of skies. EtJ technology is now being offered by multiple new licensors but depends on feedstock availability just like HEFA. FT-SPK is scalable but is a newer technology with very few large-scale implementations. All the three pathways combined along with newer technologies have the capacity to remove reliance on fossil fuels for powering aviation sector.
SAF is used to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It aids the aviation industry in meeting regulatory and sustainability requirements, guaranteeing energy security, and lowering dependency on fossil fuels.
Commercial aviation: SAF is used to power commercial airlines, reducing the carbon footprint of passenger flights.
Military aviation: SAF is employed by military aircraft, contributing to national defence operations with lower environmental impact.
Cargo transportation: SAF is applied in cargo aircraft to facilitate greener logistics and supply chain operations.
Corporate aviation: Business jets use SAF to meet corporate sustainability goals and reduce their environmental impact.
Aviation training: SAF is utilised in flight schools and aviation training programs, promoting eco-friendly practices among new pilots.
Helicopter operations: SAF powers helicopters for various applications, including medical transport, search and rescue, and tourism, with reduced emissions.
Airport ground operations: SAF can be used in ground support equipment and vehicles at airports, decreasing overall airport emissions.
Emergency response: Aircraft used in emergency response and disaster relief operations can use SAF, ensuring sustainable practices even in critical situations.
Research and development: SAF is used in aviation research programs to test and develop new aviation technologies and improve fuel efficiency.
Demonstration flights: Airlines and aircraft manufacturers use SAF for demonstration flights to showcase the viability and benefits of sustainable fuel alternatives.Top of Form
