WSU study offers realistic look at the future of sustainable aviation fuel in the US
In Washington, a new Washington State University-led study stated that the United States could feasibly produce enough sustainable aviation fuel to meet roughly two-thirds of its 2030 federal target, but getting there will require overcoming major hurdles.
Published in the March edition of Biomass and Bioenergy, the study offers one of the most detailed looks yet at the nation’s sustainable aviation fuel industry. The work is part of a broader body of research at WSU that has helped position the university as one of the leading research institutions studying sustainable aviation fuel.
The researchers found that while domestic production is expanding quickly, the United States remains unlikely to meet its goal of producing 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030 without additional support and continued industry investment.
The study found that the most optimistic scenario projects domestic SAF production could reach about 2.1 billion gallons annually by 2030, roughly two-thirds of the federal target, though substantially lower production levels may be realized depending on market conditions, project delays and policy support.
The study also found that hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, known as HEFA, will likely dominate U.S. SAF production through 2030. These fuels are largely made from fats, oils and greases such as used cooking oil and animal fats.
Category: SAF
