The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry, also known as alternative jet fuel, bio-jet fuel, bio-kerosene, non-conventional jet fuel, and renewable jet fuel, is rapidly gaining recognition as a vital component of the aviation industry’s efforts towards sustainability.
As this field evolves, it brings a complex lexicon of terms, acronyms, and concepts that can be challenging to navigate. This blog post aims to demystify these terms and foster a more informed dialogue about the role of sustainable fuels in aviation.
Key Terms: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a key term in the aviation industry that signifies a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices.
SAF is a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, derived from sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, algae, or agricultural residues. Its production results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial component in combating climate change and achieving a more sustainable aviation sector.
Let’s get to know some key terms in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sphere:
- Synthetic Blend Component (SBC): A synthetic product manufactured and certified according to ASTM D7566 – Annexes for blending into conventional jet fuel.
- ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization): A U.N. specialized agency that sets global aviation standards and policies, including the promotion of SAF through initiatives like CORSIA, which supports carbon reduction in aviation.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association): A global organization representing airlines that promotes the adoption of SAF to help reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.
- HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids): A method for producing SAF from lipids like vegetable oils and animal fats, involving hydrogenation to create hydrocarbon chains suitable for aviation fuel.
Fischer-Tropsch Process
The Fischer-Tropsch Process is a well-established chemical reaction used in industrial settings to convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons such as liquid fuels and waxes. Initially developed in the 1920s by Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch, this process plays a crucial role in the production of synthetic fuels, particularly during times when natural fuel resources are limited.
- FT-SPK (Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene): SAF produced through the Fischer-Tropsch process. It is recognized for its high quality and compatibility with existing fuel systems, providing a viable alternative to conventional jet fuels.
- Catalytic Hydrothermolysis (CHJ): A process that transforms fatty acids into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It produces SAF from fatty acid esters and free fatty acids using catalytic hydrothermolysis, followed by treatments like hydrocracking or hydroisomerization to enhance fuel properties.
- ATJ-SPK (Alcohol Jet Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene): A sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) type made through the Alcohol to Jet process. Certified for blending with conventional jet fuel, SPK enhances sustainability while remaining compatible with existing aircraft systems.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts associated with the entire lifecycle of SAF production, from feedstock sourcing to fuel combustion.
GHG (Greenhouse Gas)
Greenhouse gases play a significant role in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and impacting global climate change. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat and prevent it from escaping into space, leading to a warming effect on the planet.
- GHG (Greenhouse Gas): Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. SAF has been developed to reduce GHG emissions significantly compared to conventional jet fuels.
- CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation): An ICAO initiative supporting the use of SAF to achieve carbon reduction and offsetting goals, ensuring compliance with international environmental standards.
- EU ETS: A greenhouse gas emissions trading system (ETS) is a market-based mechanism designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by establishing a cap on overall emissions and allowing regulated entities to buy and sell emissions allowances or credits
- EU RED: The European Union Renewable Energy Directive is the legal framework for promoting energy use from renewable sources and increasing the share of renewable energy in the EU’s overall energy consumption. The Directive sets binding targets for EU Member States to achieve a certain proportion of renewable energy in their final energy consumption.
- Fit for 55: An initiative by the European Union aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 through various strategies and legislation.
BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage)
Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is a cutting-edge technology that has gained significant attention in the fight against climate change.
This innovative approach involves generating energy through biomass, capturing the carbon dioxide emissions produced during the process, and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. It Combines bioenergy production with carbon capture and storage to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
- CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage): Captures carbon dioxide emissions for storage or utilization, preventing atmospheric release.
- BETO (The Bioenergy Technologies Office): Part of the U.S. Department of Energy, supporting research and development of biofuels like SAF.
- SAFGC (SAF Grand Challenge): A U.S. government initiative aiming to scale national SAF production to 3 billion gallons annually by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050.
- ATJ (Alcohol-to-Jet): Converts alcohols into SAF by removing oxygen and connecting the molecules to attain the required carbon chain length. The maximum blend ratio is 50%.
- Hydrotreating: The reaction of oils and fats with hydrogen to extract oxygen, creating hydrocarbon chains for SAF production.
- MSW (Municipal Solid Waste): Waste can be converted into SAF, helping reduce landfill waste and produce renewable energy.
- AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use): This term refers to activities that contribute to emissions from greenhouse gases in the agriculture and forestry sectors and those related to land use changes.
Aviation-induced Cloudiness (AIC)
A phenomenon wherein aircraft emit aerosol particles, forming contrails and cloud-like structures. Aviation-induced cloudiness, also known as contrail cloudiness, refers to the formation of clouds caused by aircraft engine exhaust emissions.
These artificial clouds can have a significant impact on the Earth’s climate by trapping heat and affecting the atmosphere’s microphysical properties. As aircraft emit water vapor, soot, and other particles at high altitudes, they create contrails that can persist, spread, and evolve into cirrus clouds. The complex interactions between these clouds and the environment make aviation-induced cloudiness a subject of ongoing research in atmospheric science.
- NOx (Nitrogen Oxides): Combustion pollutants degrade air quality. SAF aims to reduce NOx emissions compared to traditional fuels, benefiting climate, air quality, regulatory compliance, and public health.
- CI (Carbon Intensity): Measures GHG emissions per energy unit, assessing SAF’s environmental impact compared to conventional fuels.
- CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization): A process that captures and converts carbon dioxide emissions into useful products, including SAF.
- E2E (Ethanol-to-Ethylene)and E2J (Ethylene-to-Jet): E2E converts ethanol into ethylene, which is essential for plastics, chemicals, and possible SAF. E2J Transforms ethylene, derived from ethanol, into sustainable jet fuel.
- LCAF (Low Carbon Aviation Fuel): Aviation fuel with a lower carbon intensity than traditional jet fuel.
- REU (RefuelEU): An E.U. initiative aimed at increasing the production and uptake of SAF in Europe to help decarbonize the aviation sector.
- Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI): Promotes developing and adopting alternative aviation fuels to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricate terminology associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel is essential for aviation industry stakeholders and those interested in sustainable energy solutions. This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of the complex terminology used in the SAF industry, supporting better understanding and communication among stakeholders.
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By demystifying the language and covering the technical certifications and processes, this resource is a valuable tool for navigating the multifaceted world of SAF and supporting the industry’s shift towards sustainability.