How Jet Fuel Is Made From Trash | WSJ

Summary

The aviation industry is exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a key solution to reduce its carbon footprint, which accounts for over 2% of global emissions. SAF, made from waste materials like trash, can reduce emissions by up to 80%. However, production is still limited, with the U.S. producing just a fraction of the fuel needed. Companies like Fulcrum BioEnergy are innovating, and airlines like United are incorporating SAF into flights. Government incentives, including the Inflation Reduction Act, aim to boost production and bring down costs. SAF holds promise for a greener aviation future, but scaling up remains a significant challenge.

Takeaways

• 😀 SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is seen as a key solution to decarbonize aviation, though there is currently a supply shortage.
• 😀 In 2021, U.S. airlines consumed 17.5 billion gallons of jet fuel, while only 15.8 million gallons of SAF were produced.
• 😀 SAF is a 'drop-in solution,' meaning it can replace conventional jet fuel without requiring new planes or infrastructure.
• 😀 SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
• 😀 Fulcrum BioEnergy in Nevada is producing SAF from trash, aiming to produce 11 million gallons by next year, with plans for a wider supply.
• 😀 Major airlines, including United, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, have signed agreements to purchase SAF from Fulcrum.
• 😀 United Airlines has already incorporated SAF into its flights but is still a small fraction of its total fuel consumption, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.
• 😀 The U.S. government is investing in SAF, with the Biden Administration aiming for 3 billion gallons of annual SAF production by 2030.
• 😀 SAF production faces a competition for feedstocks, like used cooking oil and animal fats, which are insufficient for aviation needs.
• 😀 The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has allocated substantial funds to support low-emission aviation technologies, making SAF more viable financially.

Q & A

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of jet fuel produced from renewable resources, such as waste materials, and is designed to reduce the carbon emissions of the aviation industry. It can cut emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

What are the challenges in scaling up SAF production?

One of the key challenges is the limited supply of SAF, with only about 15.8 million gallons produced in the U.S. in 2022, while U.S. airlines consume over 17 billion gallons of jet fuel annually. SAF production is also more expensive, typically two to four times the cost of conventional fuel.

How does SAF compare to regular jet fuel in terms of emissions?

SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, making it a crucial solution in the effort to decarbonize the aviation industry.

What feedstocks are used to produce SAF?

Currently, SAF is mainly produced from feedstocks like used cooking oil, animal fats, and other organic waste. However, new feedstocks, such as trash and forest residues, are being explored to scale up SAF production.

What role does Fulcrum BioEnergy play in SAF production?

Fulcrum BioEnergy is working on producing SAF from trash. They process waste materials into synthetic crude oil, which is then refined into transportation fuel, including jet fuel. Their Nevada plant is expected to produce 11 million gallons of SAF by next year.

Why is SAF considered a 'drop-in' solution?

SAF is considered a 'drop-in' solution because it can replace conventional jet fuel without the need for new infrastructure or aircraft modifications. It can directly be used in existing engines and systems.

How much SAF did United Airlines use in 2022, and what are their future plans?

United Airlines used 3 million gallons of SAF in 2022 and plans to increase that to 10 million gallons in 2025. The airline has also set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

What government actions are supporting SAF production?

The U.S. government is supporting SAF production through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $300 million for low-emission aviation technologies and $500 million for biofuels. The government is also offering tax credits for SAF to make it more cost-competitive with conventional fuel.

What is the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act for SAF?

The Inflation Reduction Act is considered a game-changer for SAF. It signals the government's commitment to SAF as a key solution for decarbonizing aviation by providing financial support and incentives for its production and use.

How does the competition for feedstocks affect SAF production?

Competition for feedstocks like used cooking oil and animal fats is an issue because these materials are also used for biodiesel and renewable diesel. This limits the availability of these feedstocks for SAF production, highlighting the need for alternative sources such as trash or forest waste.