Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) sustainable aviation fuels

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are alternative fuels to fossil kerosene that are produced sustainably. They enable a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions in aviation and can be blended with conventional jet fuel.

Definition
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are aviation fuels that are produced synthetically from sustainable resources. These fuels have similar chemical properties to conventional jet fuel and contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions in aviation.

Background / origin
Aviation plays a central role in the energy transition and faces the challenge of significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. While alternative propulsion technologies such as electric propulsion and hydrogen are currently still in the development phase, SAF already offers a viable solution. These aviation fuels can save up to 80% of CO₂ emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. The reduction in emissions depends on the raw materials used, the production method and the transportation and storage methods.

The Mabanaft Group trades in aviation fuels, including SAF. Among other things, it supplies airlines in Norway with these sustainable aviation fuels and is one of the few companies authorized to do so. However, the production of SAF is still affected by its low availability and complex production processes.

Properties
Sustainable Aviation Fuels have similar physical characteristics to conventional jet fuel, making them easy to store, transport and handle. SAF can be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel, with the same quality standards as conventional aviation fuels.

The chemical composition of SAF allows for comparable performance, although production costs are currently higher due to the complex production process.

Application and importance in the market
SAFs are used in aviation as alternative fuels that have been specially developed for use in aircraft. Aviation is an important sector in the energy transition, in which the reduction of emissions is essential. The use of SAF is a step towards sustainable aviation. The international differences in the availability and production methods of SAF pose a challenge to its wider use.

Differentiation from similar terms
In contrast to conventional jet fuel, SAF consists of sustainably sourced raw materials and is produced synthetically. While conventional kerosene is of fossil origin, SAF aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

Summary
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) represent a promising alternative to fossil kerosene by being produced synthetically from sustainable resources. The use of SAFs can achieve significant savings in CO₂ emissions in aviation. Even though they are currently more cost-intensive and less available, they are able to make the aviation industry more environmentally friendly due to their similar properties to conventional jet fuel. The Mabanaft Group plays an important role in the trade of these sustainable aviation fuels, especially in Norway.