🌱 What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

-
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also called aviation biofuel or bio-jet fuel, is a renewable alternative to conventional kerosene. It’s derived from waste oils, agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, algae, or synthetic fuels made from CO₂ and green hydrogen.

SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, making it a key technology in decarbonizing the aviation industry.

🔬 Key Production Pathways & Feedstocks

  • HEFA-SPK (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids): Made from used cooking oil, animal fats, algae oils.
  • ATJ (Alcohol-to-Jet): Converts ethanol or isobutanol (from corn, sugarcane) into jet-range hydrocarbons.
  • FT-SPK (Fischer-Tropsch): Synthesizes fuel from biomass or municipal waste.
  • e-SAF (Power-to-Liquid): Uses CO₂ + green hydrogen to produce synthetic kerosene.

🧪 Simplified SAF Chemical Formula:

CO₂ + H₂ → CₙHₘ (synthetic kerosene via Fischer-Tropsch or methanol pathway)

Ethanol → Dehydration → Oligomerization → Jet-range hydrocarbons

📊 Infographic: SAF Production Pathway

SAF Infographic

🏢 Leading SAF Companies

  • SkyNRG – SAF pioneer using used cooking oil. skynrg.com
  • LanzaJet – Alcohol-to-jet producer in the USA.
  • Neste – Finnish leader in renewable aviation fuel.
  • Gevo – Isobutanol-based SAF supplier to major airlines.
  • Zero Petroleum – e-SAF company supplying the Royal Air Force.

🧠 Expert Opinions & Quotes

"SAFs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over their lifecycle" — International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
“The challenge is scale. We need government incentives, airline commitments, and infrastructure.” — Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson

✈️ Real-World Examples

  • In 2024, SAF made up only 0.3% of global jet fuel — far below targets.
  • EU mandates 2% SAF blending in 2025, rising to 32% by 2040.
  • The UK aims for 22% SAF usage by 2040.

✅ Conclusion

Alternative aviation fuels are critical to decarbonizing air travel. With advancements in HEFA, ATJ, FT, and e-SAF, major aviation players are starting to scale up. Though SAF still represents a small percentage of global fuel, new mandates and innovations promise fast growth in the coming decade.

✈️ Support the transition: Choose airlines using SAF, advocate for clean energy policies, and invest in sustainable tech.

🔗  Sources:

  • US DOE AFDC
  • ATAG – Sustainable Aviation Fuel
  • IEA Bioenergy Reports
  • Reuters (Neste 2025)
  • InfoAmazonia 2025

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring the Most Visited Castles in Europe and Africa: Information for Tourists and Archaeologists

-
Image
Castles have long fascinated tourists and archaeologists alike, offering a glimpse into the past through their architecture, history, and surrounding landscapes. In this article, we delve into some of the most visited castles in Europe and Africa, highlighting their historical significance, archaeological information, visitor experience, admission prices, and natural environment. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany Perched atop a hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Its fairytale architecture has inspired countless stories and films. Archaeologists appreciate its relatively recent construction, which provides insight into 19th-century building techniques and romanticism in architecture. Tourists are captivated by its picturesque setting and intricate interiors. Admission costs around $15. The surrounding alpine landscape adds to its appeal. Windsor Castle, England As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castl...
READ MORE

The United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization has significant implications.

-
Image
As the largest contributor, the United States has provided nearly $988 million, or 14 percent of the WHO’s budget. This funding has supported critical health programs around the world, including efforts in Europe, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. The lack of U.S. support threatens initiatives to combat diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Experts warn that the United States will face reduced disease intelligence capabilities, leading to worse health outcomes. At the same time, China’s influence at the WHO is set to grow. The country is systematically preparing for international leadership, with 90 percent of its top universities launching programs to prepare students for careers in international organizations by 2027. This strategic move allows China to fill positions at the WHO vacated by the departure of US staff, thereby expanding its role in global health governance. The US withdrawal not only has funding implications but also has broader diplomatic and economic ...
READ MORE

Investing in life sciences: the next big trend in France and Italy

-
Image
In recent years, France and Italy have emerged as key players in the field of investment in life sciences. This surge is driven by a combination of government support, innovative research and a growing focus on sustainability. What is investment in science? Science investment encompasses funding for research and development (R&D) in a variety of scientific fields, including biology, ecology, chemistry and environmental sciences. These investments aim to foster innovation, develop new technologies and address pressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Leading companies driving change Several companies in France and Italy are at the forefront of scientific innovation: TotalEnergies (France): In addition to its traditional energy activities, TotalEnergies invests heavily in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, reflecting its commitment to environmental research and development. Enel Green Power (Italy): A subsidiary of the multinational energy c...
READ MORE