Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
The nation's aviation sector emits approximately 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, prompting researchers and policymakers to explore methods for reducing emissions.
Researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) propose using waste to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a means to lower carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
The study suggests that building waste-to-fuel refineries near major travel hubs in the United States could produce 3–5 billion gallons of SAF annually, replacing 15–25% of the nation's jet fuel supply.
Modern society generates vast amounts of waste, including organic materials like food scraps and sludge from water treatment plants, which contain organic molecules similar to those found in crude oil.
Advanced technology can convert waste into "biocrude" oil, which can then be refined into fuels suitable for aviation use, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based jet fuel.
The proximity of waste-producing centres to major airports minimizes transportation emissions associated with delivering SAF to airports, while also reducing methane emissions from landfills.
Waste-based SAF refineries located near major airports could replace a significant portion of petroleum jet fuel consumption, significantly reducing the carbon intensity of the aviation industry.
Despite the potential benefits, challenges such as technical feasibility, ASTM qualification, and social acceptance need to be addressed to ensure the widespread adoption of waste-based SAF production.
Waste-based SAF presents a promising opportunity for decarbonizing the aviation industry, offering a tangible solution to reduce carbon emissions while utilizing society's waste as a valuable resource.