How Fuel Made from Wheat and Sugarcane Is Shaking up the Aviation Industry
Until recently, fossil-based jet fuel was the only viable option for powering commercial flights. With multiple airlines setting ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets and passenger numbers continuing to rise, the aviation industry is turning to renewable and sustainable alternatives to help reduce its sizeable carbon footprint. Enter sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
While no clear large-scale commercial alternatives to conventional jet fuel currently exist, SAF is seen as having the most near-term commercial potential.
What is SAF?
Sustainable aviation fuel is derived from biogenic materials (feedstocks) such as wheat and sugarcane residues; oil crops, including canola and grape seed; and non-biogenic inputs like green hydrogen and renewable electricity. Biofuel produced from renewable sources such as these will help minimise the environmental impacts of conventional petroleum-based fuel. And, says Warren Flentje – industrial decarbonisation lead, Towards Net Zero Mission at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency – “the SAF industry is working on a wider range of feedstocks to meet the airline industry’s ambitious targets while remaining sustainable”.
How can SAF reduce emissions?
When combusted, fossil fuels emit carbon locked away underground in plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. SAF recycles carbon dioxide absorbed by renewable feedstocks while they were growing. SAF combustion still produces emissions but when you factor in carbon dioxide absorption during the feedstock production process, biogenic SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent. It can also be used without any changes to current technology. And, says Flentje, it’s currently our only available option for the decarbonisation of long-haul flights.
What is the future of SAF?
“We have the technology to make a fuel that’s almost identical in performance to fossil jet fuel – but environmental sustainability is not just about the net emissions impact,” says Flentje. Creating SAF solely to reduce carbon emissions is short-sighted if the process causes unintended consequences on the ground, he adds. That’s why certification standards must reflect a broad range of environmental factors and traceability through the supply chain. “Ultimately, we aspire to convert our abundant renewable wind and solar into fully synthetic, or non-biogenic, sustainable fuels.”
Taking action
Qantas and Airbus are working together to support the development of a SAF industry in Australia, while the Australian Jet Zero Council – which unites government and industry – focuses on key policy priorities.
To find out more about how a sustainable aviation fuel industry will contribute to reaching our carbon emission reduction goals, visit qantas.com/saf
