The Secret to Decarbonizing Air Travel: Sustainable Aviation Fuel
When you open up flight booking services online like Google Flights, you notice that the platform is providing customers with various numbers to think about which would be essential for us to make our decision. Like the price of a ticket, the date of the ticket, the time of the ticket. But along with this, they have added a new number: the expected amount of greenhouse gas emissions from that particular flight. I can all but assume that most of the customers do take into consideration this number as the movement regarding reducing greenhouse emissions has taken even more heat following the recent COP28 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Dubai in December 2023.
One particular point that was made in the Conference attended by over 150 Heads of State was the “call on governments to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels to renewables such as wind and solar power in their next round of climate commitments”.
Amidst this global push towards sustainability, the aviation industry finds itself under scrutiny due to its significant carbon footprint. With approximately 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions coming from commercial flights, the urgency to address aviation emissions is clear.
While efforts to electrify cars have gained traction, the challenge of decarbonizing aviation remains formidable. Unlike cars, which can be easily electrified, airplanes, especially long-haul jets, rely heavily on traditional petroleum-based jet fuel. However, amidst this challenge lies a beacon of hope: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oil, agricultural food waste, and other biological feedstock, may seem surreal. It’s remarkable to imagine that items we commonly consume or discard into the little green bin could power a plane flying across the globe. Yet, jet engines are as compatible with SAF as they are with conventional jet fuel. In terms of its impact on cutting CO2 emissions, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) significantly outperforms conventional jet fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% throughout its lifecycle.
Notably, SAF has already made its way into commercial flights, with major federal governments worldwide investing in its production and implementation. Countries such as Singapore, China, Japan, Australia, and the United States are spearheading efforts to produce and mandate the use of SAF in commercial aviation to curb emissions in this hard-to-decarbonize sector. Under President Biden’s administration, the United States has set ambitious targets for SAF production, aiming to produce 3 billion gallons by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050. As the aviation industry charts its course towards sustainability, the adoption of SAF emerges as a crucial step in mitigating its environmental impact and paving the way for a greener future.
So the question remains why haven’t we adopted SAF everywhere? One reason is the current international aviation regulations established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which limit the use of jet fuel blends containing SAF to 50% as a precautionary measure. However, this regulation may be seen as a temporary precaution, as demonstrated by United Airlines, which successfully operated the first commercial flight using 100% SAF (in one jet engine) back in 2021. This example suggests that SAF is perfectly safe for use in aircraft, indicating that the restriction on SAF blends may eventually be lifted as aircraft manufacturers like Airbus set out the goal of ensuring that all aircraft manufactured will be able to fly with 100% SAF by 2030 without any restrictions or blends. The biggest roadblock in the way of adoption of SAF by commercial airlines around the globe is the affordability and availability of SAF which is currently in the market competing with conventional fuel. The challenges surrounding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are less about its effectiveness and more about the cost and availability.
On April 30, the Biden administration released guidance on its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) subsidy program, permitting corn-based ethanol to qualify if sourced from farms using climate-friendly growing techniques. This development presents a mixed outcome for the U.S. ethanol industry, eager for subsidies but hoping for a lower threshold. Air travel currently contributes about 2% of U.S. carbon pollution, with Biden aiming to combat this by creating a subsidized market for lower-emissions SAF. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized SAF’s role in transitioning to a clean energy future and supporting rural America. To access SAF subsidies, refiners must demonstrate a 50% emissions reduction compared to petroleum jet fuel, achievable through specific agricultural practices. While welcomed by some, concerns linger about the program’s ability to deliver promised climate gains and the sufficiency of sustainable biomass to meet aviation’s decarbonization needs.
In summary, sustainable aviation fuel is not just a concept — it’s a vital solution to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. As we navigate towards a greener future, the journey involves overcoming challenges like affordability and regulatory restrictions. Yet, with ongoing innovation and global collaboration, the sky’s the limit for SAF. Let’s fuel our flights with sustainability, paving the way for cleaner skies and a brighter tomorrow.
