(Boursier.com) — The first test flight aimed at demonstrating the potential for converting methanol into SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) took place in Dubai on the sidelines of COP28 in the United Arab Emirates. Masdar, TotalEnergiesthe UAE Directorate of Civil Aviation, Airbus, Falcon Aviation Services and technology licensor Axens all contributed to the success of this flight.
While the so-called ATJ-SPK route (synthetic paraffinic kerosene obtained from alcohol) was certified in 2016 as complying with international standards for jet production, methanol is not included in the list of eligible alcohols. The flight, which used an aviation fuel blend made from olefins, will contribute to the certification of this new route to producing SAF from methanol.
Based on the use of renewable electricity, it could enable the production of eSAF. an essential lever to meet the global challenge of producing sustainable aviation fuel and decarbonizing the aviation sector.
“The launch of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s new global framework for sustainable aviation fuel in Dubai was an important step towards a more sustainable future for the sector. This flight is a testament to the Masdar and TotalEnergies’ shared ambition to progress the development of SAF and provide a new path to decarbonize aviation. The potential of SAF to reduce CO2 emissions is immense in a difficult-to-decarbonize sector and Masdar is proud to contribute to its development and growth. The various strategic partnerships we have established in this area are proof of our investment,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Managing Director of Masdar.
“TotalEnergies is delighted to be at the origin of this innovation with Masdar. As energy manufacturers, our shared mission is to prepare the next generation of clean aviation fuels, beyond the SAF currently produced from of used cooking oils. Having a new route for the production of aviation fuel, with e-SAF, is essential to advance the decarbonization of the aviation sector”, declared Patrick Pouyanné, president and CEO of TotalEnergies.
Sustainable aviation fuels – SAF
Sustainable aviation fuels are one of the immediately available solutions for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions from air transport. They can be incorporated without modification to existing logistics storage and distribution infrastructures, aircraft, or engines.
Their progressive use on a global scale should make it possible to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from air transport, since they allow 80% fewer CO2 emissions on average over their entire life cycle when they are produced from waste and residues. eSAF, a synthetic fuel derived from renewable energies, is compatible with jet engines and offers performance similar to that of fossil fuels.
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