Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) have become a key topic in efforts to achieve sustainable aviation amid the global climate crisis. This alternative fuel is considered capable of significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to conventional aviation fuel. But what exactly is SAF? And how important is it?
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuels?
SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuels. SAF is produced through the utilization of biomass, organic waste, and direct carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture technology from the air. In terms of chemical characteristics, SAF has properties very similar to conventional jet fuel, so it can be used without sacrificing flight performance. Some common raw materials used in SAF production include cellulose derived from excess wood residue, used cooking oil derived from vegetable or animal fats that have been used for cooking, camelina derived from energy crops with high lipid oil content, and algae which are microscopic plants that grow in polluted or salty water, contributing carbon dioxide.
Why are Sustainable Aviation Fuels important?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a crucial role in the aviation industry's strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The use of SAF has a significant environmental impact, as it can reduce carbon emissions throughout its life cycle by up to 80 percent thanks to the use of renewable raw materials. Unlike fossil fuels, which are limited in quantity, SAF is produced from sustainable sources such as waste, plant biomass, and vegetable oils, thereby reducing dependence on petroleum. Furthermore, SAF is categorized as a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be directly blended with up to 50 percent conventional jet fuel and used in aircraft engines and existing airport infrastructure without requiring technical modifications.
Types of sustainable fuels
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is now a key factor in reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Several SAF variants are under development and have received approval for commercial use, such as Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, Catalytic Hydrothermolysis Synthesized Kerosene (CH-SK), and Hydrocarbon-Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HC-HEFA).
These various types of SAF have been certified by ASTM International, an international standards body that ensures the quality, safety, and reliability of sustainable aviation fuels. SAF can also be blended with conventional jet fuel at up to 50 percent concentration without requiring changes to the aircraft's engines or fueling system. The diversity of SAF types and raw material sources is a key factor in driving its wider adoption in the aviation industry.
The Challenge of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The main challenges in producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) remain high production costs, limited supply of sustainable raw materials, and suboptimal distribution infrastructure. Furthermore, stringent certification processes, significant investment requirements, and a lack of market certainty are also inhibiting efforts to accelerate the scale-up of SAF production to support the achievement of net-zero emissions targets in the aviation sector.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) presents a real alternative to reduce the aviation industry's dependence on fossil fuels. In fact, SAF has been recognized by IATA as the most realistic solution for significantly reducing aviation carbon emissions, especially in the short to medium term. Although production costs are currently relatively high, technological developments and industry maturity are projected to drive cost reductions in the future. Therefore, close collaboration between governments, industry players, and regulators is key to overcoming the various challenges of SAF implementation.
