20 Analytical Instrumentation RECENT ADVANCES IN SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL TECHNOLOGY
Source: Orient Flights
Introduction Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are at the forefront of the aviation industry’s eff orts to reduce its environmental impact. As the world grapples with climate change, the aviation sector, which accounts for 2-3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, has been seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional jet fuels¹. SAFs have emerged as a promising solution, off ering the potential to signifi cantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the industry’s long-term sustainability goals. The adoption of SAFs has notably increased globally in recent years, and production capacity is expected to double from 7 million metric tons in 2022 to 14 million metric tons by 20301
. This growth is driven
by advancements in technology, increased investment, and supportive government policies. Several major airlines have already committed to incorporating SAFs into their operations, and new production facilities are being established worldwide to meet the rising demand.
Societal and Global Impact
The societal and global impact of sustainable aviation fuels extends beyond environmental benefi ts. The development and deployment of SAFs can stimulate economic growth by creating new jobs in the biofuel production and supply chain sectors. According to the World Economic Forum, the SAF industry has the potential to generate thousands of jobs globally, particularly in rural areas where feedstock production and biofuel processing facilities are often located¹. Moreover, SAFs can enhance energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. By diversifying the energy sources used in aviation, countries can mitigate the risks associated with volatile oil prices and geopolitical tensions. This diversifi cation is particularly important for regions that are heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) highlights that SAFs can play a key role in achieving global aspirational goals for international aviation, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience².
PIN ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE 2025 Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of SAFs is immense, as they offer a signifi cant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuels. This reduction is achieved using renewable and waste-derived feedstocks, which recycle carbon that is already present in the atmosphere, rather than releasing new carbon from fossil sources. Additionally, SAFs can improve local air quality by reducing emissions of particulate matter by up to 90 percent and sulfur oxides by up to 100 percent24
, which are harmful pollutants associated
with conventional jet fuels. SAFs also have the potential to reduce non-CO2
soot particles, by up to 50-70 percent24
emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and , which contributes to
climate change and has adverse health effects. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) reduce NOx and soot emissions because they contain fewer impurities, such as sulfur and aromatic compounds, compared to conventional jet fuels, leading to cleaner combustion and fewer byproducts26
.
This graph depicts that 25 percent of emissions from aviation can be reduced by SAFs. A study by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) found that high blends of SAFs can signifi cantly reduce non-CO2
emissions, thereby
enhancing both global and local environmental benefi ts. Furthermore, using SAFs can help mitigate the formation of contrails and cirrus clouds, which have a drastic warming effect on the climate. Research indicates that SAFs can reduce contrail formation by up to 50-70 percent, contributing to a lower overall climate impact from aviation24
. To achieve these
results, SAFs are typically blended with conventional jet fuel in proportions ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent27
.
Key Technologies Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)
Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)--based SAFs use feedstocks such as cooking oil, animal fats, and other waste oils. The HEFA process involves hydrogenating and
Figure 1. Aviation Emission statistics24
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