Katerina Swanson
The aviation industry has relied on fossil fuels to power aircraft for almost a century. Kerosene, a fossil fuel, is the most commonly used type of jet fuel. However, the industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon emissions and mitigate its impact on the climate. Aircraft emit significant amounts of CO2, accounting for approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. In addition to CO2, aircraft emissions include other gases and particulates such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and soot, which contribute to local air pollution and have both warming and cooling effects on the climate. To reduce their environmental impact, airlines are exploring alternative fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and biofuels, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. These fuels are made from waste products like used cooking oil and agricultural waste and can be blended with traditional jet fuel. While SAFs show promise, they currently make up a very small portion of global jet fuel use due to supply and cost challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do airline jets use fossil fuels? | Yes, airline jets use fossil fuels, specifically jet fuel and aviation gasoline. |
| Fuel type | Kerosene, a fossil fuel, has been used to power aircraft for almost a century. |
| Fuel consumption | The airline industry's fuel usage was 359 billion liters (95 billion gallons) in 2019, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). |
| CO2 emissions | Aircraft emissions contain a high percentage of CO2, which contributes to global warming. |
| Impact on climate | Aviation is a relatively small contributor to global greenhouse emissions but it is one of the fastest-growing sectors. |
| Sustainable alternatives | Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are renewable jet fuels that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. |
| SAF feedstocks | SAFs are made from renewable sources such as used cooking oils, plant oils, and agricultural waste. |
| Challenges | SAFs are more expensive than traditional jet fuel, and there are challenges in scaling up production and securing sustainable feedstocks. |
| Government initiatives | Some governments, including the UK and Sweden, have dedicated funds to support SAF projects and electric aircraft development. |
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What You'll Learn
- Aircraft use fossil fuels (jet fuel and aviation gasoline) to fly
- Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels
- SAFs can be blended with traditional jet fuel and are already in use
- The aviation industry is a contributor to global CO2 emissions
- The industry is searching for ways to reduce its impact on the climate
Aircraft use fossil fuels (jet fuel and aviation gasoline) to fly
The aviation industry is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions, with jet fuel usage by airlines amounting to 359 billion litres (95 billion gallons) in 2019. Aircraft emit CO2 and other gases, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, and soot particulates, during various stages of flight, including taxi, takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing. The emissions from aircraft impact both the climate and local air quality.
To address the environmental impact of aviation, several measures have been implemented to reduce fuel consumption and explore alternative fuels. Airlines have adopted ""Eco-Flight Activities"" that optimise altitude, route, and speed to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. Additionally, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), also known as advanced biofuels, have been introduced and are gaining traction in the industry. SAFs are made from waste products, such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste, and forestry residues, and offer a potential reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 80%. While SAFs currently account for a small portion of global jet fuel use, governments and regulatory bodies are promoting their adoption through policies and investments.
Despite these efforts, the transition away from fossil fuels in aviation is challenging. The production of alternative fuels requires significant time, investment, and technological advancements. Additionally, the demand for SAFs must be balanced with considerations for food production, ecosystem impact, and economic viability. Nevertheless, companies like Airbus and aircraft manufacturers are committed to developing more sustainable alternatives, with goals to achieve carbon-neutral air transport in the future.
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Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels
SAF is made by converting carbon dioxide into jet fuel through various processes, offering an average 80% reduction in net carbon emissions, and is then blended with regular jet fuel for use. SAF differs from conventional fossil fuels by using raw materials and various processes that adhere to strict internationally recognized sustainability criteria and supporting economic growth, while fossil fuels release carbon stored underground for millions of years.
SAF can be produced from a variety of sustainable resources, also known as feedstocks, including forestry and agricultural waste, used cooking oil, carbon captured from the air, and green hydrogen. SAF is considered sustainable if it is made from renewable sources or feedstocks, such as used cooking oils, fats, plant oils, municipal, agricultural and forestry waste. SAF must also meet a set of stringent sustainability requirements, including regulations set by ICAO's CORSIA scheme and the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
SAF is a solution that can be deployed today. Blended SAF (up to 50%) has the same characteristics as traditional jet fuel and can be used in existing engines without modifications. SAF can be used in airports today, without the need to modify airport infrastructure. SAF production can be scaled up with government and regulatory collaboration and coordinated policies and incentives.
The main challenge to the emergence of a market for SAF is the higher cost of SAF compared to kerosene. The industry must address this disparity and reduce the price gap with traditional fuel. In the long term, significant investments in new facilities are needed to scale up production.
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SAFs can be blended with traditional jet fuel and are already in use
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are already being used in commercial flights, with more than 225,000 flights powered by SAFs since their certification in 2011. Six billion litres of SAFs are in current forward purchase agreements by airlines. SAFs can be blended with traditional jet fuel, and this blended fuel can be used in existing fuelling infrastructure and aircraft without any modifications. SAFs are produced from sustainable feedstocks and have similar chemistry to traditional fossil jet fuel.
SAFs have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. The CO2 absorbed by plants during the growth of biomass is roughly equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide produced when the fuel is burned in a combustion engine and returned to the atmosphere. This makes SAFs carbon-neutral over their lifecycle. However, this does not account for the emissions produced during the production of SAFs, such as the equipment needed for crop growth, transportation of raw goods, and fuel refinement.
The blend of SAFs and traditional jet fuel is re-certified as Jet A or Jet A-1 and can be handled in the same way as traditional jet fuel. ASTM standards dictate the fuel quality standards for non-petroleum-based jet fuel and specify the allowable percentage of SAFs in a blend with Jet A. The blending limit is typically 50%, but can be as low as 10% in some cases.
SAFs are currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel due to the availability of sustainable feedstocks and the development of new production technologies. However, as the technology matures, it is expected to become more efficient and cost-effective. Several EU countries have set blending mandates for SAFs, with the Netherlands aiming for 14% of its aviation fuel to be sustainable by 2030.
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The aviation industry is a contributor to global CO2 emissions
While aviation accounts for a relatively small share of global emissions, it is one of the fastest-growing sectors. Between 2000 and 2019, there was an average increase of 5% in flights per year. The number of flights is expected to continue rising in the coming decades, leading to a corresponding increase in emissions. Aircraft also produce other gases and particulates, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons, and soot, which impact local air quality.
To reduce their environmental impact, airlines are exploring alternative fuels and flight plans. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), made from waste products like used cooking oil and agricultural waste, have the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. SAFs can be blended with traditional jet fuel and have already been used in over 225,000 commercial flights. However, their limited supply and higher cost compared to traditional fuel have hindered their widespread adoption.
Some countries have set targets for increasing the use of SAFs. For example, the UK has dedicated GBP 180 million to support SAF projects, with a mandate of reaching 10% SAF use in aviation fuel by 2030. Japan has proposed similar legislation, aiming for 10% by 2030.
Other strategies to reduce emissions include improving fuel efficiency, implementing eco-flight activities, and using ground power units instead of aircraft auxiliary power units when planes are on the tarmac. These measures aim to curb the aviation industry's contribution to global CO2 emissions and meet ambitious carbon emissions reduction targets.
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The industry is searching for ways to reduce its impact on the climate
Airline jets predominantly use fossil fuels, which have a detrimental impact on the climate. The aviation industry is responsible for around 2.4% of global CO2 emissions, contributing to around 5% of global warming. However, this figure is expected to grow, with an annual rise in passenger traffic of up to 3.7% forecasted until 2050.
Recognizing the need to reduce their environmental footprint, the industry is actively exploring several avenues to mitigate their climate impact. One approach is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which are produced from waste products such as used cooking oil, industrial waste, and agricultural and forestry residues. SAFs offer a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, with some sources providing reductions of over 100% when carbon sequestration is considered. While the current supply of SAFs is limited, accounting for only 0.01% of global jet fuel use in 2019, their usage is poised for growth, with several EU countries mandating blending requirements.
In addition to SAFs, airlines are exploring alternative fuels, including biofuels. Biofuels can be blended with conventional kerosene jet fuel, reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and the formation of contrails. However, without strict standards, the adoption of biofuels could lead to deforestation as forests are cleared for jet fuel plantations, exacerbating global warming.
Beyond fuel sources, airlines are also focusing on operational efficiencies. This includes investing in newer aircraft models, which are more fuel-efficient than their older counterparts, as well as utilizing new technologies to optimize flight paths and reduce delays, thereby minimizing fuel consumption and associated emissions.
While these initiatives represent positive steps, the industry recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach to effectively reduce its environmental impact. This includes participation in programs such as CORSIA, which provides a framework for airlines to voluntarily reduce their CO2 emissions, as well as advocating for stronger aviation CO2 standards globally.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airline jets use fossil fuels, emitting CO2 (carbon dioxide) and contributing to global warming.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a renewable jet fuel that can reduce CO2 emissions by 80% on average. SAF is made from recycled waste, such as used cooking oil, industrial waste, agricultural and forestry residues, and other biological sources.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the worldwide airline industry jet fuel usage was 359 billion liters (95 billion gallons) in 2019. In 2020, usage dropped by 45.4% due to the pandemic.
SAFs have the potential to reduce the aviation industry's carbon emissions by up to 50% by 2050. They also have a lower lifecycle greenhouse gas assessment than conventional jet fuel and reduce soot content, water vapor, and sulfates in the exhaust.
The main challenges of adopting SAF are the limited supply and higher cost compared to traditional jet fuel. Additionally, there is a need for significant investments in new facilities to scale up production and secure sustainable and scalable feedstocks.
