In an era where environmental issues are predominant, industries across the world are re-defining their practices to reduce carbon footprints. The aviation sector is known for its notable emissions contributing, has been examined carefully for its environmental impact. However, amidst the challenges, a ray of hope emerges in the form of sustainable aviation fuel (SAFs).
In this article, we’ll learn more about these fuels, environmental advantages, and disadvantages, etc. So, let’s begin with the industry overview first.
What Does Sustainable Aviation Fuel Means?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel which is also known as biofuel, is derived from renewable resources. This includes agricultural residues, algae, waste oils, and non-food crops as well. Unlike conventional jet fuel, which is mainly from fossil fuel, SAF provides a cleaner and more sustainable substitute. Moreover, it is a safe replacement for conventional jet fuel. It is almost chemically identical but is produced with the help of feedstock that absorbs CO2 and provides a net reduction in CO2 emission in comparison to fossil fuels.
In 2022, the size of the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market was valued at USD 610 billion, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 56.32% from 2023 to 2028. The growth of the industry is mainly driven by the rising concerns over the accumulative carbon & Green House Gas emissions across the world, which has compelled multiple sectors to come up with more sustainable solutions.
What are the Benefits Associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
There are various benefits correlated with sustainable aviation fuel. Some of them include:
- Reduces carbon emissions: One of the notable environmental advantages of sustainable aviation fuel is its ability to reduce carbon emissions. Unlike conventional jet fuels, sustainable aviation fuel is derived from renewable resources. So, it means that they have a low carbon footprint. In comparison with conventional jet fuel, SAF has the potential to minimize greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94% depending on the technology pathway and feedstock.
- Lowers particulate matter emissions: SAF is also helpful in lowering particulate matter emissions. Particulate Matter or PM is a kind of air pollution that causes harm to health and the environment. Also, by using SAFs, aircraft emit fewer particulates, leading to enhanced air quality and lower health risks for communities and passengers near airports.
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuel: Another prominent advantage of sustainable aviation fuel is its potential to minimize substitutes to conventional jet fuels derived from finite fossil fuel reserves. Furthermore, by diversifying the aviation market’s fuel sources, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, SAF contributes to long-term energy security and sustainability.
- Promotes sustainable practices: Beyond SAF direct environmental advantages, sustainable aviation fuel plays an important role in promoting sustainable practices within the aviation industry. Hence, Airlines and aviation stakeholders constantly adopting SAF as a part of their sustainability initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to reduce environmental impact.
- Contributes to cleaner air: Another notable benefit of sustainable aviation fuel begins with its production. Biogenic feedstock used to create SAF absorbs carbon dioxide during growth, making the fuel more sustainable. SAF emits fewer harmful pollutants, and contains fewer aromatic components, enabling the aircraft engines to burn more cleanly and produce less pollution than conventional fuels.
What are the Challenges Correlated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
- High Cost to scale production: Currently, SAF is more expensive in comparison to traditional jet fuel. Achieving economies of scale to reduce the cost of production, and the high cost of specialized processing required for biofuels are primary challenges. However, as demand for SAF grows and technology advances, the aviation sector expects SAF to become more financially viable.
- Limited feedstock selection & availability: There is limited feedstock diversity among commercially available SAF today. It is expected to change with different feedstock providing several benefits and disadvantages. Identifying and sourcing appropriate feedstock at scale will be an ongoing discussion in the years ahead.
- Limited supply and manufacturing constraints: Another drawback associated with SAF is the production, distribution, and refueling infrastructure for SAF are not yet widespread. Airports with access to physical SAF are limited, and shipping of the fuel can increase the life cycle emissions of fuel.
Summing Up
In conclusion, sustainable aviation fuel represents a notable step towards making the aviation industry more environmentally sustainable. By minimizing carbon emissions, reducing particulate matter emissions, decreasing dependence on fossil fuel, and inclining towards sustainable practices, SAF provides a viable solution to the aviation sector’s environmental challenges.
As the industry continues to embrace SAF and invest in sustainable technologies, we are moving to a future where aviation and environmental supervision go hand-in-hand, ensuring cleaner skies for the upcoming generations.
Have an Any Query,
Call Us – US Office: +1 628 895 8081, India Office: +91 120 4278433
Email – sales@marknteladvisors.com
Address Sales Office: 564 Prospect St, B9, New Haven, Connecticut, USA-06511
Address Corporate Office: Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301, India
