Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

INTRODUCTION TO SAF: WHY SAF?

• Initial quiz on current knowledge
• Energy transition context in aviation
• Conventional kerosene and its use
• Kerosene production and carbon impact (CO₂ emissions)
• Environmental impact of aviation: greenhouse gas emission figures
• Urgency to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint

SAF: WHAT IS IT?

• Definition of SAF: alternative aviation fuel produced from sustainable sources
• Why SAF is essential for aviation decarbonization
• Environmental and economic challenges
• History of SAF: from early research to commercial aviation use
• Physico-chemical properties of SAF (viscosity, density, thermal stability)
• Comparison with kerosene: similarities and differences
• Key benefits of SAF: compatibility with existing engines, CO₂ reduction, cost

STANDARDS AND LEGISLATION

• Role of public policies and regulations in SAF development
• European and global public policies supporting SAF
• International SAF certification standards (e.g. ASTM D7566)
• ICAO regulations and directives (International Civil Aviation Organization)

SAF PRODUCTION PATHWAYS

Presentation of the main SAF production processes:

• HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids): conversion of vegetable oils and animal fats
• Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ): SAF production from alcohol
• Fischer-Tropsch (FT): gas-to-liquid hydrocarbon conversion
• Power-to-Liquid (PtL or E-SAF): conversion of renewable electricity into liquid fuel
• Other methods
• Comparison of processes: advantages and limitations of each technology

CONSTRAINTS OF SAF PRODUCTION

• Biomass requirements: sustainable feedstock sources (algae, agricultural waste, used oils)
• Energy balance: efficiency of production methods and overall environmental impact
• Cost and logistics: production costs, competitiveness with kerosene, distribution infrastructure needs
• Aromatics in SAF: impact on particle emissions and aircraft engines

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION IN SAF

• Methanol as a potential SAF feedstock: benefits and challenges
• SOEC CO₂ electrolysis (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell): fuel production from CO₂ and renewable electricity
• Compatibility of current engines with SAF: technical requirements and adjustments
• Testing and certification of engines for large-scale SAF use
• Future outlook: hybrid and electric aviation engines

EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL SAF PROJECTS

• Presentation of European and international collaborative SAF projects
• Key initiatives: the European Green Deal and aviation decarbonization strategies

CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

(Adapted to the sector)

• SAF adoption by KLM
• SAF production by Neste
• SAF impact at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
• SAF use in low-cost airlines – Ryanair
• “Clean Skies for Tomorrow” international project
• SAF produced from algae

CONCLUSIONS

• Summary of key topics covered during the training
• Future of SAF: opportunities and challenges ahead
• Importance of sustainable solutions for a decarbonized aviation sector

FINAL QUIZ AND TRAINING EVALUATION

No specific prereNo specific prerequisites are required, although an interest in energy and environmental issues is recommended.quisites are required.

Business leaders, engineers, R&D managers, environmental and energy transition managers, airport personnel, airlines, regulatory staff, operators, fuel producers, particularly in the aviation, resource efficiency, petrochemical, and agricultural sectors.

H2PULSE engineer, expert in hydrogen systems.

Powerpoint support for the practical part and test bench for the practical sessions.

Quizzes at the beginning and end of the course

5 working days before the course start date (if financed by OPCO).

A training certificate complying with the provisions of Article L. 6353-1 paragraph 2 is issued to the trainee.