American plane maker Boeing and Alder Fuels have signed a partnership at the Farnborough Airshow 2022 to expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production globally.
As part of the agreement, Alder Fuels will use Boeing-made aircraft to test Alder-derived SAF and Boeing will support qualification of Alder’s SAF by conducting flight demonstrations.
Alder’s process technology is able to convert sustainable forest residues and regenerative biomass into a low-negative carbon “greencrude” for jet fuel.
“We know that according to the US Department of Energy, US forestry and agricultural residues alone could provide enough biomass energy to generate enough SAF jet fuel to displace 75 percent of US aviation fuel consumption,” said Sheila Remes, Boeing’s vice president of Environmental Sustainability.
The global air transport sector has committed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, to meet this goal, 700-1,000 times more SAF is needed, Remes explained.
The single largest opportunity to meet the industry’s 2050 goal is the rapid and global expansion of SAF production and new energy sources, according to the Air Transport Action Group.
“We can now scale up supply to meet the aviation industry’s demand. This partnership with Boeing will expedite SAF availability around the globe, advance policies that ensure sustainability and foster environmental justice, and cultivate local economies,” said Bryan Sherbacow, Alder Fuels CEO.
In January 2021, Boeing pledged to deliver 100% SAF-capable aircraft and is currently also using SAF during its own operations.