Tailwinds create sustainable aviation fuel

US airlines use sustainable fuel Less than 0.1% of flights. However, the government aims to ensure that 10 per cent of the industry runs on sustainable fuels by 2030. 100% by 2050.

The scale of the challenge is enormous: United Airlines used 7 million gallons of sustainable fuel last year, according to company spokesperson Sam Coleman. “This is a three-fold increase over the previous year, which is great, except that United Airlines burns between 3 and 4 billion gallons (B gallons) of fuel each year.”

According to the Department of Energy, air travel produces 2% of global CO2 emissions and 12% of transportation emissions.will be projected 40.1 million flights in 2024up from 36.8 million the previous year.

The carbon footprint of business travel could be even lower.

Simply put, air travel is anything but sustainable.

But chief sustainability officers looking to reduce the carbon footprint of business travel will certainly want to do so.

The Biden administration sought to change that by announcing on April 30 that it would make corn and soy-based jet fuel producers eligible for new tax credits if they practice “climate-smart” farming practices.

Although the government’s guidance is not final, it could help other businesses reduce the carbon footprint of employee travel. As an example of Salesforce, Plans to purchase sustainable fuel certificates This represents 5% of Scope 3 emissions from air travel.

It was after that that there was movement. April 29th launch of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Coalition (SAFC) is a lobby group of 40 airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines. The group will promote increased investment in sustainable fuels.

When it comes to jet fuel, “sustainable” is a relative term. It is usually mixed with regular jet fuel in the following proportions: between 10 and 50 percent. Boeing Aerospace says it can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 percent over its lifecycle, even though its nature still involves burning fossil fuels and producing carbon dioxide.

sustainable jet fuel is expensive

Sustainable fuel costs 2-4 times more More than fossil fuels. The “green premium” hinders its introduction, and demand exceeds supply. According to the International Air Transport Association.

That’s where new government subsidies come into play. Using corn as ethanol Soybeans for biodiesel currently qualify for a tax credit of $1.25 to $1.75 per gallon of fuel produced. They must be able to use regenerative agriculture practices such as cover crops and energy-efficient fertilizers and prove that they are not tilling the soil to make fuel.

Critics want crops for food, not fuel

Because of this cost and the continued use of oil, many in the aviation industry see crop-based fuels as a “bridge” that will eventually lead to “third generation fuels” with hydrogen and carbon capture.

“While some may view this announcement as being too harsh or too lenient on crop-based fuels, we believe this announcement is based on a sound understanding of the science and the use of raw materials and production processes available today. “We believe it strikes the right balance between encouraging the production of low-carbon fuels used,” said John Hebert, senior policy advisor for transportation at think tank Third Way.

Environmental groups have expressed alarm at plans to grow crops for fuel rather than food. “U.S. airlines should align with European airlines in requiring sustainable aviation fuel made from raw materials that do not compete with food production.” Dan Lashoff, Director, World Resources Institutehe told GreenBiz.

But that is not part of the administration’s vision. It’s all about jet fuel, and the new tax cuts are “a huge step forward for American farmers, American innovation, American jobs, and America’s ability to reduce carbon pollution in our transportation sector and protect our planet,” John said.・Mr. Podesta said. Biden’s senior clean energy adviser, who oversees spending under the Inflation Control Act, spoke at a news conference Monday.

New law requires sustainable fuels

However, governments around the world appear to be trying to force a market for sustainable fuels into existence. among them:

• As of April 24th, Nebraska’s new law provides tax credits SAF producers are paid 75 cents per gallon. After Iowa, Second largest ethanol producing country.
• Illinois is the third largest ethanol producer in the United Statesoffers a $1.50 per gallon tax credit for those who purchase sustainable fuel. Washington state plans to provide credit If your facility pumps at least 20 million gallons per year, you will be charged up to $2 per gallon.
• In 2025, European Union begins imposing obligations on its airports Use at least 2% sustainable fuels, reaching 63% by 2050.
• All flights departing from the UK must operate as follows: Use 10% sustainable fuels by 2030below it Sustainable aviation fuel mandate announced in April. Targets include delivering 1.2 million tonnes of fuel per year.

“SAF will strengthen domestic energy security, create new markets for American farmers, reduce aviation emissions, and accelerate next-generation technology development,” said SAF Coalition Executive Director. can be, Transportation industry lobbyist.