SAF And How Can It Contribute to Reducing CO2 Emissions
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a revolutionary type of fuel derived from renewable sources such as agricultural or synthetic materials and recycled waste products. This innovative fuel can be transformed into kerosene that powers jet engines by using plants, animal fats, and even cooking oils. The beauty of SAF lies in its ability to act as a ‘drop-in’ additive to traditional fuels, reducing CO2 emissions and making air travel more eco-friendly.
While there have been attempts to explore electric-powered planes for smaller aircraft, the practicality of applying it to commercial planes remains a challenge. The size and weight of batteries required for long-haul flights make it currently infeasible. This is where the significance of SAF comes into play. By incorporating SAF into the aviation industry, we can make substantial strides in reducing CO2 emissions and mitigating the environmental impact of air travel.
Since its introduction in 2011, SAF has gained momentum and support from airports and airlines across the globe. Trudeau International Airport in Montreal took the lead by providing SAF in 2016, followed by Pearson International Airport in Toronto in 2021. These airports are prime examples of the industry's commitment to cleaner fuel alternatives. Over 450,000 flights globally have already used SAF, showcasing its growing influence and potential.
However, it is essential to note that despite the progress, SAF production still represents a fraction of the overall global jet fuel demand. According to a 2021 paper by the International Council on Clean Transportation, SAF production currently accounts for less than 0.05% of total demand. Although the airline industry presently accounts for just 2.5% of CO2 emissions, there is growing concern that this figure could rise substantially by the end of the century. The industry is actively exploring strategies to attain net zero emissions by the year 2050 to combat this. This highlights the need for further investment, research, and collaboration to scale production and make SAF a significant player in the industry.
Reaching Net Zero
To learn more about sustainable aviation fuel and how it can help the airline industry reach its net-zero goal by 2050, check out CBC.ca:
“Last year, the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization agreed to a ‘long-term global aspirational goal’ of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Transitioning to SAF is a big part of that. Harris says that while the commitment is shared by the International Air Transport Association, and even companies like Boeing and Airbus, he feels the 2050 target is unlikely to be met.
‘The pace of technology evolution … just makes that really hard in this timeframe. Even if you could introduce fully green propulsion in the early 2040s, it won't make up a significant portion of the fleet by 2050 to really matter.’
He believes reducing the frequency of air travel, in combination with the development of SAF, may be a better way to hit the target sooner. ‘We think a more realistic approach here is that aviation needs to show they're making real progress, they need to show that there's a path.’”
From The Airline Industry Is Working on Cleaner Fuel — But How Quickly Can It Decarbonize Flying? - CBC
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Written by Fuel Pro Source
April 20th, 2023