Improving the Economics of Sustainable Aviation Fuels: System-Level Analyses and Perspective

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Biomass Conversion
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Aviation decarbonization is challenging due to battery limitations (low energy density, weight, space constraints).
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is crucial for reducing aviation's carbon footprint during the energy transition.
• Current SAF production processes face economic and efficiency hurdles, hindering commercialization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel coproduction process for SAF using lignocellulosic biomass.
• To improve the techno-economic feasibility and carbon efficiency of SAF production.
• To demonstrate the environmental and economic benefits of coproducing SAF with valuable biochemicals.

Main Methods:

• A coproduction strategy was implemented to integrate SAF (butene oligomer) synthesis with the production of adipic acid and furfural from lignocellulosic biomass.
• Techno-economic analysis was performed to assess process economics.
• Life-cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate environmental sustainability, focusing on CO2 emissions.

Main Results:

• The developed process improves overall process economics by approximately 2.7%.
• Significant enhancement in environmental sustainability was achieved, with a reduction of 15.75 kg CO2 eq per kg of SAF.
• The coproduction strategy effectively addresses the economic and carbon efficiency shortcomings of standalone SAF production.

Conclusions:

• The proposed lignocellulosic biomass-based coproduction process offers a viable and sustainable pathway for SAF production.
• This approach enhances the commercial attractiveness of SAF by improving economics and reducing environmental impact.
• Coproduction of SAF with high-value biochemicals presents a promising strategy for decarbonizing the aviation sector.