Can Sewage Waste Power Commercial Flights? Airlines Explore New SAF Technology.

The global aviation industry is urgently seeking new pathways for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This is necessary to meet ambitious airlines net-zero targets. A novel process converting sewage waste into jet fuel is now drawing significant interest. This innovative approach offers a promising, abundant, and low-cost feedstock source.

The Promise of Sewage Waste Jet Fuel

UK-based firm Firefly Green Fuels is leading this development. The company transforms sewage sludge into a crude oil substitute. This bio-crude is then refined into a sewage waste jet fuel.

Independent tests show the resulting fuel is nearly identical to standard fossil jet kerosene. Crucially, the fuel offers a life-cycle carbon footprint reduction of up to 90%. This massive reduction is vital for commercial aviation sustainability.

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Technology

The production method uses Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL). HTL treats sewage sludge with high heat and pressure. This process converts the organic matter into bio-crude and biochar. The resulting bio-crude is a dense liquid rich in hydrocarbons.

This feedstock is considered highly advantageous. Sewage sludge is ubiquitous and constantly available. Using this waste stream also avoids competition with food crops. This is a major concern with some other alternative jet fuel sources. The process creates a circular economy solution. It repurposes a problematic waste product into high-value fuel.

Airline Commitment and Certification Challenges

Interest from the airline sector is already translating into investment. European low-cost carrier Wizz Air has become a key partner. In 2023, Wizz Air announced a £5 million equity investment in Firefly. The agreement includes a commitment to procure up to 525,000 tonnes of SAF. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029. This Wizz Air SAF investment highlights the industry's serious push toward aviation decarbonization efforts.

However, significant hurdles remain before widespread commercial use. The primary challenge is the rigorous ASTM certification process. All new SAF production pathways must be approved by ASTM International. This ensures the fuel meets strict safety and performance standards.

• The new HTL pathway is currently undergoing this strict qualification process.
• Large volumes of fuel are required for full-scale testing.
• Financing and scaling up SAF production facilities are also major obstacles.

Industry bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stress the need for government support. Incentives are necessary to stimulate mass uptake and investment. Without this support, the cost of SAF will remain high. Regulatory bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are closely monitoring these new routes. The goal is to ensure safety while enabling innovation. The successful certification of this waste-to-oil technology could unlock a massive new feedstock supply. This would significantly boost the global SAF supply chain.

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