SAF Technology
SAF can be produced using various technologies: HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) from oils and fats; FT(Fischer-Tropsch) from biomass or municipal waste; ATJ (Alcohol-to-Jet) from sugars or starches; and PtL (Power-to-Liquid) using CO2 and renewable electricity, converting it into synthetic fuels. These SAF technologies use renewable feedstocks like waste oils, agricultural residues, and captured CO2, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. HEFA and FT processes recycle organic matter, while PtL utilizes renewable energy, ensuring a sustainable, closed-loop system that continuously harnesses renewable resources.
Pathways to make SAF
Biomass FT (Fischer-Tropsch)
Feedstocks
Agricultural residues, forestry residues, municipal solid waste
Readiness
Commercially available
How it works
Converts biomass into syngas, which is then processed into liquid hydrocarbons via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids)
Feedstocks
Used cooking oil, animal fats, vegetable oils
Readiness
Commercially available
How it works
Converts fats, oils, and greases into jet fuel through hydrogenation and deoxygenation.
SIP (Synthetic Iso-Paraffins)
Feedstocks
Sugary biomass (e.g., sugarcane)
Readiness
Pilot/Demonstration stage
How it works
Ferments biomass into farnesene, which is then hydrogenated to produce iso-paraffins for jet fuel.
PtL/eSAF (Power-to-Liquids/Electrofuels)
Feedstocks
CO2, water, renewable electricity
Readiness
Pilot/Demonstration stage
How it works
Uses renewable electricity to produce hydrogen and combines it with CO2 to create synthetic hydrocarbons.
AtJ (Alcohol-to-Jet)
Feedstocks
Sugary, starchy biomass (e.g., sugarcane, corn)
Readiness
Commercially available
How it works
Ferments biomass into alcohols, which are then converted into jet fuel.
Pyrolysis
Feedstocks
Woody biomass, agricultural residues, municipal solid waste
Readiness
Pending Approval
How it works
Converts biomass or plastics into oil through pyrolysis, which is then upgraded to jet fuel via catalytic processes.
CHJ (Catalytic Hydrothermolysis Jet)
Feedstocks
Plant oils, animal fats
Readiness
Pilot/Demonstration stage
How it works
Uses catalytic hydrothermolysis to convert oils and fats into jet fuel.