New study shows potential for SAF production in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Air New Zealand and LanzaJet have announced the preliminary findings from a study into using woody waste residues and low-value wood products in New Zealand to produce sustainable aviation fuel. The study found that using domestically grown woody waste for SAF has the potential to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to New Zealand’s economy per year and create hundreds of new regional jobs. The study showed that New Zealand could reach a domestic production of 102 million liters of unblended SAF each year. Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Kiri Hannifin said: “These initial findings support that alternative jet fuel can be produced here from our own locally-grown woody waste, which is very positive for a country that is heavily reliant on long-haul aviation and trade and currently imports 100% of its jet fuel.” “The right settings and regulatory environment will be important as New Zealand considers homegrown SAF because it’s the only way to secure the necessary global investment. There is already significant international momentum and in our view New Zealand shouldn’t get left too far behind or we risk seeing the flow of capital go elsewhere or our valuable raw materials being swooped up by other markets for their own SAF,” he added. LanzaJet CEO, Jimmy Samartzis, said the company is pleased with the initial results from the feasibility study and reaffirms its commitment to the region. “Building a new industry requires developing a broad ecosystem for SAF in New Zealand, anchored in technology and supported by policy, capital, and demand to help attract funding and make it at a price airlines can afford,” he said.
Category: SAF
