July 22, 2024
When it comes to carbon emissions, the aviation industry is one of the worst culprits.
Research shows that it contributes to around 4 percent of human-induced global warming, while The Guardian newspaper reported that a single long-haul flight can create more carbon emissions than the average person will generate in an entire year.
One possible way to combat this is switching from petroleum-based fuel, to low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel, more commonly known as SAF.
However, while airlines say that SAF may help cut aircraft emissions by 80 percent, others claim that it is far from the perfect solution.
In this blog, we will explore all you need to know about this eco-friendly alternative, and some of the obstacles and complexities that exist around it.
What is SAF?
SAF is a form of biofuel, which means it is made from plant or animal materials. It has attracted significant investment and funding in recent years, and can be made from materials as varied as cooking oils, non-palm waste oils and fats, waste from homes and businesses such as packaging, paper, textiles, and food scraps, and forestry waste
What are the advantages of SAF?
Eco-friendly
As touched on above, the most important advantage of SAF is that it produces less carbon emissions than traditional fuel. This in turn decreases the amount of greenhouse gases (the elements that raise the earth’s temperature) and harmful pollutants that are released into the air.
Suitable for existing aircraft
As SAF is blended with up to 50 percent conventional jet fuel, it can be used without making any modifications to existing aircraft. Looking forward, all new commercial jet engines will be created to be compatible with 100 percent SAF.
Job creation
The growth of SAF is creating many new job opportunities in the aviation sector. It also requires large scale production of feedstock, and this may lead to a decrease in unemployment in rural areas.
Reduces dependency on fossil fuels
If we continue using fossil fuel at our current rate, experts estimate that the world’s supplies will be depleted by 2060. However, SAF provides a more sustainable and less harmful long-term supply of energy and fuel.
What are the issues with SAF?
Currently, only 0.1 percent of flights are powered by SAF, and there are several reasons for this.
High cost
SAF is far more expensive than traditional jet fuel. To increase its use and reduce its cost, production costs first need to be slashed. However, the good news is that specialists expect it to become more financially viable as demand for it grows and technology advances.
Fossil fuel involvement
The fact that SAF must still be blended with traditional aviation fuel means that it is not yet a 100 percent sustainable solution.
Feedstock scarcity
The European Parliament has noted that scarcity of waste-based feedstock is another hurdle stopping the mass production of SAF.
Some feedstocks also work better in SAF than others, and more research into this is necessary.
Conclusion
As you can see, SAF represents a potentially effective way of making air travel more sustainable.
However, for it to be implemented by every airline across the world, huge investment from multiple investors is needed, including governments, airlines, scientists, logistic companies, and regulators.
For instance, here in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways is already using energy efficient aircraft, and it is also working to develop and trial the use of SAFs.
SAF production, infrastructure and technology need to be enhanced before it becomes the new normal. Abu Dhabi University is encouraging its progress by offering future-focused degrees that focus on sustainability and innovative solutions to global world problems.