Analysis
The international aviation industry has set an aspirational goal to reach net zero carbon by 2050 and backs sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as “the best near-term opportunity to meet these goals.”
However, earlier this week, Air New Zealand dropped its 2030 emissions target, citing problems with SAF as one reason.
Consumption of the alternative fuel, made from renewable biomass and waste resources, is increasing.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data shows that approximately 5 million gallons of SAF were consumed in 2021, 15.84 million gallons in 2022, and 24.5 million gallons in 2023.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it releases a fraction of the greenhouse gases associated with current jet fuel options. It’s touted as the aviation industry’s bridge from its current reliance on fossil fuels, to a future where commercial aircraft are powered by electric and hydrogen-powered engines....
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