Finnish renewable fuel supplier Neste announced on June 6 that the world's first in-flight study of commercial aircraft utilizing 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) revealed notable reductions in non-carbon dioxide emissions.
According to Neste, the usage of green aviation fuel in the engines of a commercial aircraft resulted in a reduction in soot particles and the formation of contrail ice crystals compared to conventional Jet A-1 fuel. The company stated that there was an estimated reduction of at least 26% in non-carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.
The study, known as the ‘Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels' (ECLIF3) project, was conducted by Airbus, Rolls-Royce, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and SAF producer Neste. Launched in 2021, the project measured emissions impact using an Airbus A350 powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, with a DLR chase plane monitoring its emissions.
Alexander Kueper, Vice President of Renewable Aviation Business at Neste, emphasized the significance of the study's findings, stating, “The results confirm a significantly lower climate impact when using 100% SAF due to the lack of aromatics in Neste's SAF used and provide additional scientific data to support the use of SAF at higher concentrations than currently approved 50%.”
Neste's 100 SAF, also known as Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, is sourced entirely from renewable waste and residue materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. This drop-in fuel can be blended with conventional jet fuel, ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft engines and airport fuel infrastructure.
Mark Bentall, Head of Research and Technology Programme at Airbus, expressed optimism about the environmental benefits of SAF, stating, “This is a very encouraging result, based on science, which shows just how crucial sustainable aviation fuels are for decarbonizing air transport.”
According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, SAF is forecasted to account for 0.61% of global aviation fuel consumption in 2024, with projections indicating a rise to 3.24% in 2040 and 24.06% in 2050.
Platts, part of Commodity Insights, reported that SAF production costs in Southeast Asia stood at $1,601.61 per metric ton on June 6, reflecting a slight increase from the previous assessment.
