Day Two Live from the Bloomberg Green Festival in Seattle
Jul 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Ryan Spies from Alaska Airlines discusses decarbonizing aviation, Gina McCarthy talks about net zero partnerships for climate action, and Mayor Bruce Harrell explains cities' role in fighting climate change. The podcast also covers sustainable aviation fuel challenges, clean energy financing, Seattle's green policies, and political implications on climate action.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions and partnerships with tech giants help offset costs.
Policy interventions, including incentives and mandates, are pivotal for propelling the global adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Deep dives
Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable Aviation Fuel, made from fats and oils, offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions, marking a pivotal step in the aviation industry's sustainability journey. Despite its current low prevalence in jet fuel usage, the industry is witnessing a gradual increase in demand for this eco-friendly alternative. The challenge lies in scaling up production to meet the increasing demand, as SAF is currently three to four times more expensive than conventional fuel. Airlines like Alaska Airlines are exploring innovative ways, such as partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, to offset the cost and promote the use of SAF.
Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption
The transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel faces hurdles in cost efficiency, with one gallon being significantly pricier than traditional fuel. Despite the current limited supply, advancements in production technologies are driving optimism for a future where SAF can replace conventional jet fuel. Investments and strategic partnerships play a crucial role in overcoming financial barriers and accelerating the adoption of SAF within the aviation industry. Initiatives like offering elite qualifying miles for purchasing SAF showcase innovative approaches to incentivize sustainable choices among air travelers.
Policy and Government Support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Policy interventions, including incentives and mandates, are pivotal in propelling the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at a global scale. While approaches vary across regions, such as the stick approach in Europe versus the carrot-focused strategy in the US, government support remains vital for steering the aviation sector towards sustainable practices. Extensions of key credits and collaborations between government entities are essential for maintaining momentum in decarbonizing the aviation industry and combating climate change effectively.
Environmental Impact and Future Prospects of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable Aviation Fuel offers a substantial reduction in carbon output, with current usage leading to a 40% decrease in emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. Future advancements, such as eFuels, hold the promise of achieving even higher emission reductions, aiming for an ambitious 80 to 100% decrease. While SAF serves as a short to medium-term solution for flights, long-term sustainability also relies on exploring alternative technologies like battery and hydrogen-powered aircraft for comprehensive decarbonization efforts.
Watch Carol and Tim LIVE every day on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3vTiACF. Ryan Spies, Managing Director of Sustainability at Alaska Airlines, discusses Fueling Airlines’ Decarbonization Journey. Gina McCarthy, Former EPA Administrator and First White House National Climate Advisor, talks about best practices for engaging in net zero partnerships to drive climate performance and business value simultaneously. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell describes the role of cities in combatting climate change. And we Drive to the Close with Melissa Otto, TMT Analyst at S&P Global Visible Alpha. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.