Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and changing the environmental impact of the aviation industry in several ways:

1. Lowering Carbon Footprint: SAF is produced from renewable sources such as plant-based materials, agricultural waste, or municipal solid waste. These feedstocks are derived from carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbing sources, effectively reducing the net emissions of CO2 compared to conventional jet fuel. For instance, SAF produced from used cooking oil can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel (1).

2. Alternative to Fossil Fuels: SAF serves as an alternative to conventional jet fuel derived from fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. By substituting fossil fuels with SAF, the aviation industry can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and associated emissions.

3. Compatibility with Existing Aircraft and Infrastructure: SAF can be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure without requiring any modifications. This compatibility makes it easier for airlines to adopt SAF and integrate it into their operations. For example, in 2018, Alaska Airlines conducted the first commercial flight using a 20% blend of SAF made from forest residuals, demonstrating that SAF can be seamlessly incorporated into regular operations (2).

4. Potential for Carbon Neutrality: SAF can be produced using feedstocks that absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, effectively creating a closed-loop cycle. For instance, using feedstocks like algae can potentially achieve carbon neutrality as the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed during algae growth (3). This concept of carbon neutrality has the potential to transform the aviation industry into a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative sector.

5. Stimulating Investment in Sustainable Technologies: The development and production of SAF require investment in sustainable technologies and infrastructure. This investment drives innovation and research in renewable feedstocks, conversion processes, and supply chain logistics, creating a positive feedback loop for sustainable aviation. For example, the aviation industry's commitment to SAF has spurred collaborations between airlines, fuel producers, and governments to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel technologies (4).

6. Regulatory Support and Incentives: Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are recognizing the importance of SAF in reducing aviation emissions. They are introducing policies and incentives to support the production and adoption of SAF. For instance, the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive sets a target of 2% SAF use in aviation by 2025, increasing to 5% by 2030 (5). These regulations and incentives encourage the aviation industry to transition towards a more sustainable future.

In summary, sustainable aviation fuel derived from renewable sources contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and changing the environmental impact of the aviation industry by lowering the carbon footprint, providing an alternative to fossil fuels, being compatible with existing infrastructure, potentially achieving carbon neutrality, stimulating sustainable technology investment, and receiving regulatory support and incentives.

References:

1. https://www.iata.org/en/programs/environment/sustainable-aviation-fuels/

2. https://www.alaskaair.com/content/about-us/sustainability/sustainable-aviation-fuel

3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-49178-1

4. https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2021-02-23-01/

5. https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-directive_en