Sustainable Aviation Fuel – A Path Toward the Future
The aviation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. However, the industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint by adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as an alternative to traditional jet fuel.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
SAF is a type of biofuel made from plant or animal materials, rather than fossil fuels.
It has the potential to cut aviation's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared with traditional jet fuels.
SAF can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including used cooking oil, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste.
Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
SAF has several benefits over traditional jet fuel.
It is a renewable energy source that can be produced from sustainable feedstocks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65-85% compared to petroleum-based jet fuel.
SAF can also be blended with conventional jet fuel to power aircraft, in blends of up to 50% with petroleum-based jet fuel.
This solution can be applied as a drop-in replacement fuel that requires no changes to aircraft technology or fuel infrastructure.
Recent Developments
On December 1, 2021, United Airlines made aviation history by flying the first passenger flight powered by 100% SAF – taking passengers from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
This is a significant milestone in the aviation industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
Honeywell's Role in Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining TM technology powered the production of the SAF used on the December 1 flight¹. The Ecofining process makes it possible to deliver commercial volumes of SAF while helping the aviation industry reduce its carbon footprint, reduce emissions, and enable affordable decarbonization options.
This technology is used to produce Green Jet Fuel TM (SAF) that meets renewable energy regulations and can be made from sustainable feedstocks.
Honeywell commits to carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035.
The company has already reduced the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities by more than 90% since 2004.
In fact, about half of our research and development investments for new products are focused on things that will improve environmental, safety and social outcomes for our customers and the planet.
Conclusion
SAF is a promising alternative to traditional jet fuel that can help the aviation industry reduce its carbon footprint.
It is a renewable energy source that can be produced from sustainable feedstocks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to petroleum-based jet fuel.
SAF can also be blended with conventional jet fuel to power aircraft, in blends of up to 50% with petroleum-based jet fuel.
This solution can be applied as a drop-in replacement fuel that requires no changes to aircraft technology or fuel infrastructure.
Honeywell is committed to developing sustainable aviation fuel technologies that will help the aviation industry reduce its carbon footprint and meet its sustainability goals.
