In this episode, we talk to Andrew Chen, Principal for Aviation Decarbonisation at RMI. Founded in 1982 as Rocky Mountain Institute, RMI is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit that seeks to transform the global energy system to ensure a clean, zero-carbon future.   

Chen discusses RMI's multi-faceted approach to aviation decarbonisation, which includes stimulating demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and addressing aviation's non-CO2 emissions – specifically, the environmental impacts of contrails. He also touches upon RMI's broader mission concerning the decarbonisation of heavy industry and transportation sectors.

Central to the conversation is the pivotal role of SAF in reducing aviation's carbon footprint. Chen discusses how RMI, through initiatives like the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA), is working to overcome the challenges posed by the current "green premium" associated with SAF. This involves mobilising corporate demand and leveraging technologies such as blockchain for the traceability of SAF certificates, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in SAF transactions.

Furthermore, Chen highlights the significant investments required to scale SAF production and the necessity of collaborative efforts across the aviation value chain for sustainable growth. He reflects on his experiences at Heathrow Airport, emphasising the critical role airports play in SAF adoption and the need for industry-wide collaboration.

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Elena Schmidt, Executive Director of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), about the journey of RSB in fostering sustainability, especially in the aviation and travel industries. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Decarbonizing Aviation - RMI 

SABA announces collective purchase of SAF certificates - Biofuels International Magazine

Clean Energy 101: Book and Claim - RMI

Contrail Mitigation: A Milestone Year for Advancing Industry Understanding and Experience - RMI

Flight100: Virgin Atlantic and RMI test new ways to reduce aviation’s climate impact - Virgin 

How the RSB is nudging aviation towards a bio-circular economy - SimpliFlying