What you need to know about Sustainable Aviation Fuel
We all know that airplanes fly on kerosene, a fossil fuel. Burning it releases CO2. Too much CO2 in the air traps heat around the earth, leading to climate change and negative impacts on life on our planet. If the aviation sector were a global country, it would rank sixth worldwide in terms of CO2 emissions. Aviation's share of global CO2 emissions is expected to rise to 20% by 2050, a percentage that is probably still on the low side. To meet the targets for the reducing CO2 emissions in aviation by 2050, a change in fuel use is needed.
There are several options for this:
- Flying less and choosing cleaner alternatives For short distances;
- Use of hydrogen as fuel, as it does not emit CO2 when burned. Unfortunately, this is not currently suitable for existing aircraft and requires further development;
- Electric flying. Although this is currently only in limited use on short distances due to technological limitations.
- Development of new aircraft models with lower fuel consumption.
- Using SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
Of the above options, the last option (SAF) is currently the most promising short-term solution. It is already being used in aviation. It can contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 65%, which is needed to achieve the net zero emission target in aviation by 2050. It is almost identical to regular (fossil) kerosene, has the same high energy density and can be used in existing aircraft and tank systems.
What is SAF?
It is a synthetic, sustainable jet fuel produced from renewable, non-fossil sources. These sources include waste oils such as used cooking oil, as well as algal oil derived from oil-rich biomass of microalgae grown in the sea.
Where is SAF produced?
Most SAF is currently produced in Europe, the United States and Asia. Several airlines, including KLM, are investing in factories to produce SAF. There are already SAF factories in the Netherlands, such as in Delfzijl. A plant is also currently being built in Rotterdam .
In 2023, an important agreement was signed between the European Council and the European Parliament requiring energy producers to produce more SAF step by step starting in 2025. There are now also airlines investing in the production of SAF.
Why is SAF cleaner than fossil fuels?
Burning fossil fuels (a long carbon cycle) releases CO2 that remains in the air for at least 10 years before it is reabsorbed by the earth. SAF, on the other hand, uses sustainable methods and avoids the use of fossil fuels, shortening the carbon cycle and allowing CO2 to be absorbed more quickly by the earth.
How is SAF currently being used?
Currently, SAF is primarily used as a blend with traditional kerosene, with a maximum of 50%. Although there are no commercial flights yet where aircraft engines run entirely on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, its use is already a step in the right direction. At Schiphol Airport, for example, 1% SAF is added to the aviation fuel used for all flights departing from Amsterdam. The goal is to increase this percentage to 30% by 2030. However, SAF is still of limited availability and currently costs 3 to 4 times as much as kerosene. In addition, further research is needed on the impact of Sustainable Aviation Fuel on aircraft engine performance.
As a traveler, can you contribute to making aviation more sustainable?
You can do this, of course, by flying less, but many airlines and travel agents also offer the option of "buying off" the CO2 emissions from your flight. With this money, airlines can purchase additional Sustainable Aviation Fuel or invest in projects such as reforestation.
Curious about more ways to make your (business) travel more sustainable? For example a more sustainable stay . Our business travel consultants are happy to think with you!
