Sustainable Aviation Fuels Poised to Transform Air Travel
Image Name: Ihab Amed testing jet engine
Image Credit: BBC
Sheffield University’s researchers challenge the limits of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). A pivotal stage in the development of environmentally friendly aviation technology is being taken at a site on Sheffield’s outskirts, testing a modified jet engine using new synthetic fuels. Part of the Sustainable Fuels Innovation Centre (SAF-IC), this project seeks to produce and assess synthetic fuels on a smaller scale before moving on to more ambitious manufacturing techniques.
Developments in Sustainable Fuel Technology
A key development in the effort to lower the carbon footprint of the aviation sector are sustainable aviation fuels. Synthesized from waste cooking oils, vegetable fats, and agricultural leftovers, these fuels have a major environmental benefit. They come from renewable resources. SAFs use carbon recently acquired by plants or by chemical processes, unlike fossil fuels which release carbon buried in the Earth for millions of years. The net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is so significantly less.
From an environmental perspective, SAFs have a net-zero carbon dioxide impact, Sheffield University researcher Ihab Ahmed underlined. They also lower engine particles and smoke, which can endanger human health and help contrails to form.”
Response of the aviation sector and upcoming difficulties
The aviation industry worldwide finds itself in an ironic position. Driven by growing middle-class populations in nations like India and China, the fleet of airliners is expected to more than double in the next twenty years. Still, there is an urgent need to solve industry carbon emissions. Aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has a lofty goal.
Among current developments include substituting newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes for older ones. Designed to be 15–30% more efficient than their forebears, modern jets But further actions are required if the sector is to keep growing sustainably.
Future answers are supposed to be emerging technology such electric planes and hydrogen fuel. For example, hydrogen presents possible but difficulties with production and storage. It needs to be produced utilizing the currently restricted renewable energy sources and stored either as a highly compressed gas or an extremely cold liquid. Arjen Meijer, CEO of Embraer, said: “We could see small hydrogen fuel cell aircraft in the market between 2035 and 2045.” Still, a major determinant is the availability of enough hydrogen.
Likewise, battery-powered aircraft are inappropriate for long-haul flights or big aircraft since their weight and energy density limit them. Therefore, sustainable aviation fuels are now more sensible even if hydrogen and electric planes might become feasible in the future.
Present Situation and Prospect of SAF Production
Although the SAF component is only maximum of 50% under current rules, sustainable aviation fuels can be combined with conventional jet fuels. Modern airplanes can thus use 100% SAF, albeit this. For example, a Virgin Atlantic test flight showed a Boeing 787 flying just using SAF generated from waste fats and plant sugars.
Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus Julie Kitcher noted, “The technology needed for SAFs are already available and certified for aircraft use. Making the fuels reasonably priced and increasing production worldwide are the main difficulties.
Currently just 0.05% of EU jet fuel consumption is SAFs, which cost three to five times more than traditional jet fuel. Many governments are responding with mandates meant to boost SAF usage. Beginning next year, the UK has instituted a “SAF mandate,” requiring 2% SAF in jet fuel, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. The EU has established a comparable aim spanning 63% by 2050. By comparison, the US lacks a federal mandate but offers subsidies to help lower SAF expenses.
Production has to be much raised if we are to reach these goals. Many feedstocks can be used to create SAFs, including agricultural wastes and waste cooking oil. Under another approach called power-to—liquid, carbon dioxide and water are broken down to generate fuel. Still, this method is expensive and calls for significant carbon capture as well as renewable energy.
Views from Industry and Environment
Notwithstanding the encouraging developments, there is doubt about whether SAF manufacture could be scaled realistically. “There are limited quantities of effective SAFs available now, and thousands of new planes ordered will continue to burn fossil fuels for the foreseeable future,” Matt Finch, chairman of the campaign group Transport & Environment, said in criticizing the present situation of SAFs.
Notable news on SAF investments came during the most recent Farnborough Airshow. Using waste-based feedstocks, a group including Airbus, Air France-KLM, and Qantas has committed $200 million to support SAF manufacturing initiatives. Boeing has also teamed with Clear Sky to highlight a SAF manufacturing technique created by British startup Firefly using human waste.
The next decade will be pivotal in deciding whether SAFs are feasible and how they affect world air travel as the aviation sector negotiates the change to sustainable fuels. Balancing development with environmental responsibility, research, government regulations, and business investments will help to define aviation’s future.
This content was adapted from an article in the BBC
