07-December-2023-Editorial

FLIGHT TO SUSTAINABILITY

The aviation industry, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is exploring cleaner alternatives to traditional fuels. This article delves into the recent milestone of a Boeing 787 flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the potential of synthetic petrol. While these alternatives offer environmental benefits, their adoption faces challenges.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):

Produced from biomass like used cooking oil, waste animal fat, manure, sewage, and organic waste, synthesized into jet fuel substitutes.

Benefits:

Emission Reduction: A 65% SAF fuel mix can align with 2050 emission targets.

Aviation Carbon Footprint: Addresses the 10-12% contribution of civil aviation to transport-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Negative Carbon Footprint: Involves carbon dioxide capture and methane utilization, reducing overall environmental impact.

Compensation for Emissions: Mitigates the carbon impact of modifying or replacing jet engines.

Waste Recycling: Contributes to beneficial effects like biowaste recycling.

Government Initiatives:

Promotion of SAF:

India has set indicative blending percentages in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).

1% SAF blending target in 2027 (initially for international flights).

2% SAF blending target in 2028 (initially for international flights).

Roadblocks in Adoption:

Challenges:

High Cost: SAF is three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel.

Low Adoption: SAF currently constitutes less than 1% of the aviation fuel mix.

Synthetic Petrol:

Liquid or gaseous fuel obtained from syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide derived from gasification of biomass, coal, or natural gas.

Issues with Adoption:

High Cost: Synthetic petrol costs about five times more than mining and refining crude oil.

Carbon Footprint: Transitioning billions of vehicles to electrical propulsion poses a significant carbon footprint.

Strategies for Adoption:

Scaling Up Production: Technological and engineering challenges can be addressed through scaled-up production and improved engineering processes.

Policy Support: Research into better biomass and atmospheric carbon capture requires supportive policies.

Subsidies: Financial incentives and subsidies can facilitate the early adoption of synthetic fuel technologies.

Conclusion:

While cleaner fuels like SAF and synthetic petrol hold promise in reducing the carbon footprint of aviation and vehicular transport, their widespread adoption requires concerted efforts. Balancing technological advancements, policy support, and subsidies can pave the way for a sustainable and eco-friendly future in the transportation sector.