Energy: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

What is it?

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of aviation fuel that is produced from renewable sources, unlike traditional fossil-based jet fuels.

Source

  • It can be derived from various feedstocks, such as plant oils, agricultural waste, forestry residues, and municipal solid waste.

Advantages

  • It has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
  • It can be used in existing aircraft engines without modifications and can be blended with conventional jet fuel, making it relatively easy to integrate into existing aviation infrastructure.

Disadvantages

  • Four times more expensive than traditional fossil jet fuel.
  • Scarcity of waste-based feedstock.
  • Lower energy density than traditional jet fuel.

Significance

  • It is considered sustainable because it has a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
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