The aviation industry has been under increasing pressure to address its environmental impact and reduce carbon emissions. One promising solution that has gained traction is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). But how is this innovative fuel produced, and how much better is it? We’ll be going over the process behind the creation of SAF and its environmental impact.
Understanding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
It’s crucial to understand what makes SAF different from traditional aviation fuel. SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks, such as used cooking oils. Unlike jet fuel derived from fossil sources, SAF has the potential to significantly lower the carbon footprint of air travel.
Feedstock Selection and Sourcing:
The journey of SAF begins with the careful selection and sourcing of feedstocks. These raw materials can vary widely, including used cooking oil, municipal solid waste, and residual agriculture crops. The choice of feedstock plays a critical role in determining the environmental impact and its sustainability.
Conversion Process:
Once the feedstock is secured, it’s pretreated to remove impurities. SAF is created from hydrocarbon molecules through a process called hydrodeoxygenation. It’s a process in which oxygen and other impurities are removed from renewable raw materials with the help of hydrogen. The resulting hydrocarbons undergo isomerization for the desired properties that become SAF.
Certification and Blending:
After the conversion processes, the resulting fuel undergoes rigorous testing and certification. It’s to ensure the fuel meets the stringent quality and safety standards required for aviation. Once certified, SAF can be blended with traditional jet fuel in various proportions. This allows aircrafts to use less fossil-based jet fuel and reduces carbon emissions.
The production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a promising process that holds the key to a sustainable future for air travel. As the industry embraces the adoption of SAF, it will improve aviation’s environmental impact. Understanding the intricacies of SAF production is a crucial step toward fostering support and awareness for a greener aviation industry.
How Can You Help?
Sign-up for SeQuential’s FREE Used Cooking Oil Collection program to combat climate change sustainably. SeQuential has teamed up with Neste to transform your used cooking oil into renewable fuels. Additionally, SeQuential provides Grease Trap maintenance services to prevent Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) from getting into the sewers, water lines, and the environment.