Energy Evolution The (flight) path to net zero with sustainable aviation fuel
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Sep 27, 2024 
Andrew Chen, a principal focused on aviation decarbonization at RMI, shares his insights on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). He discusses the essential role of SAF in curbing the aviation industry's carbon footprint, which currently accounts for 2% of global emissions. The conversation dives into the challenges of scaling up SAF production and the evolving regulatory landscape in the US and Europe. Chen also highlights advancements in aircraft efficiency and the collective actions required for the aviation sector to achieve meaningful decarbonization.
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SAF Basics
- SAF reduces carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis, primarily made from used cooking oil.
- It's chemically similar to jet fuel, making it a drop-in replacement.
SAF Cost
- Producing SAF is more complex and costly than traditional jet fuel.
- Bio-SAF is 2-4 times pricier, while advanced SAF can be over 10 times more expensive.
Current SAF Usage
- Current SAF usage is low, mostly in single-digit percentages by airlines.
- Around half of major airlines are using SAF, concentrated in Europe and the US.