Sustainable Aviation
What is SAF in term of renewable energy?
SAF stand for “Sustainable Aviation Fuel,” which is a type of renewable energy that is used in the aviation industry.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a type of biofuel that is made from sustainable sources such as agricultural and forestry waste, non-edible crops, and municipal waste. The fuel can be used in existing aircraft engines without the need for any modification, making it an attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuels. SAF can reduce the carbon emissions associated with air travel by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
SAF is gaining increasing attention as a way to help the aviation industry reduce its carbon footprint and meet climate targets. Several airlines and aircraft manufacturers have already started using SAF as part of their sustainability efforts.
Type of sustainable aviation fuel
There are several types of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) that can be used in the aviation industry.
Here are a few examples:
Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)
This is one of the most commonly used types of SAF. It is made by converting plant oils and animal fats into jet fuel through a refining process called hydroprocessing.
Fischer-Tropsch (FT) fuels
These fuels are made by converting biomass or natural gas into a synthetic liquid hydrocarbon. FT fuels have a high energy density and can be blended with traditional jet fuel in varying amounts.
Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ)
This type of SAF is made by converting sugars from non-food biomass, such as wood chips or agricultural waste, into alcohols. The alcohols are then converted into jet fuel through a refining process.
Bio-methane
This type of SAF is made by capturing and refining methane gas produced from agricultural waste, landfills, and other organic waste sources.
Power-to-Liquid (PtL)
This type of SAF is made by using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to produce hydrogen gas through electrolysis. The hydrogen is then combined with carbon dioxide from the air to produce a liquid hydrocarbon fuel.
These and other types of SAF are being developed and tested by companies and organizations around the world as part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel.
Latest development of sustainable aviation fuel
There have been several recent developments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) that are worth noting:
Increased production
There has been a significant increase in SAF production capacity in recent years, with several new production facilities being built or planned around the world. This is helping to bring down the cost of SAF and increase its availability to airlines.
New feedstocks
Researchers are exploring new feedstocks for SAF, such as algae, which can be grown using wastewater and carbon dioxide. This could provide a more sustainable source of fuel than traditional biofuels.
Government support
Many governments around the world are providing financial incentives and regulatory support to encourage the production and use of SAF. For example, the European Union has set a target for SAF to make up 5% of jet fuel consumption by 2030.
Airlines commitment
Major airlines have made commitments to increase their use of SAF in the coming years. For example, United Airlines has pledged to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of SAF over the next 20 years, while Delta Air Lines has committed to replacing 10% of its jet fuel with SAF by 2030.
New partnerships
There have been several new partnerships between airlines, fuel producers, and other organizations to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF. For example, United Airlines has partnered with several SAF producers to help bring their fuels to market, while Boeing has partnered with a fuel cell manufacturer to develop an electric propulsion system for aircraft.
Latest Technology of sustainable aviation fuel
There are several emerging technologies that are being developed to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) more efficiently and sustainably.
Here are a few examples Latest Technology of sustainable aviation fuel
Waste-to-fuel
Researchers are exploring new ways to convert waste products into SAF. For example, a company called LanzaJet is using a process called gasification to convert agricultural waste into a type of SAF called Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) fuel.
Synthetic biology
Synthetic biology is a field of science that involves designing and engineering biological systems for specific applications. Researchers are using synthetic biology to create microorganisms that can produce SAF more efficiently and sustainably than traditional methods.
For example, a company called Synhelion is using synthetic biology to create microorganisms that can convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into SAF.
Renewable electricity
Another emerging technology for producing SAF is using renewable electricity to power the production process.
For example, a company called ZeroAvia is developing a process to produce SAF using renewable hydrogen generated from wind and solar power.\
Carbon capture and utilization
Carbon capture and utilization involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions and using them as a feedstock for the production of SAF.
This can help reduce the carbon footprint of the SAF production process. For example, a company called Carbon Clean Solutions is using carbon capture technology to produce SAF from carbon dioxide emissions.
Direct air capture: Direct air capture involves capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air and using it as a feedstock for the production of SAF. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to provide a truly sustainable source of SAF.
World largest sustainable aviation fuel Country
The United States is currently the largest producer and consumer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the world, with several large-scale production facilities in operation and more under construction or planned. The country is home to many of the world’s leading SAF producers and has a strong commitment to developing and promoting the use of renewable energy in the aviation sector.
The US government has provided regulatory support and financial incentives to promote the production and use of SAF, including tax credits, grants, and loan guarantees for SAF producers. Additionally, several US airlines have made commitments to increase their use of SAF in the coming years, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue.
Other countries, such as the European Union, Canada, and Brazil, are also investing in SAF production and use, and are expected to increase their SAF production capacity in the coming years. The European Union, for example, has set a target for SAF to make up 5% of jet fuel consumption by 2030. However, the US currently leads the world in terms of SAF production and consumption.
Country with the highest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use
Several countries around the world have started using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in commercial aviation, including:
United States: The United States is currently the largest producer and consumer of SAF in the world, with several airlines using SAF in their operations.
Norway: Norwegian airline, Avinor, has committed to using 1% SAF in all its refueling at Oslo Airport, making it the first airport in the world to offer regular supply of SAF to airlines.
Netherlands: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been using SAF since 2011 and aims to increase its use to 14% by 2030.
Finland: Finnair has been using SAF since 2019, with a target to use 10% SAF by 2025.
France: Air France has been using SAF since 2020, with a goal of using 2% SAF by 2025 and 5% by 2030.
Germany: Lufthansa Group has been using SAF since 2019 and aims to increase its use to 10% by 2025.
Canada: Air Canada has started using SAF in its flights from Vancouver to Montreal and plans to gradually increase its use in other flights.
These are just a few examples of countries that have started using SAF, and many other countries are also investing in SAF production and use.
Benefit for sustainable aviation fuel
There are several benefits associated with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
Reduced carbon emissions
SAF can reduce carbon emissions from aviation by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry, which is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved air quality
SAF can also help improve air quality around airports by reducing emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. This can help reduce the health impacts of air pollution on nearby communities.
Energy security
SAF can help increase energy security by providing a domestically produced and renewable source of fuel for the aviation industry. This can help reduce dependence on imported oil and enhance energy independence.
Job creation
The development and production of SAF can also create jobs in the renewable energy sector, as well as in industries that support the production and distribution of SAF, such as logistics and transportation.
Innovation and technology development
The development of SAF requires innovation and the use of new technologies, which can drive advances in science and technology and spur economic growth.
Reputation and corporate social responsibility
The use of SAF can help enhance the reputation of airlines and other organizations in the aviation industry by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the Airlines
Several airlines around the world have started using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in their operations, including:
United Airlines
United Airlines has been a leader in SAF use and has made a commitment to use 100 million gallons of SAF by 2030. The airline has used SAF on several flights, including a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 2016, which was the first commercial flight using SAF in the US.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has committed to using 10% SAF by 2030 and has used SAF on over 1,000 flights since 2016.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM has been using SAF since 2011 and aims to use 14% SAF by 2030.
Scandinavian Airlines(SAS)
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has used SAF on select flights and plans to use SAF on all flights departing from Hong Kong.
Qantas
Qantas has used SAF on select flights and has committed to using 50% SAF on all flights departing from Los Angeles by 2026.
JetBlue
British Airways has conducted flights using SAF and is committed to using SAF in the future. To be sustainable airlines in 2019, they announced a deal with SAF producer Velocys to supply sustainable fuel
These are just a few examples of airlines that have started using SAF, and many other airlines are also investing in SAF production and use.
Future of sustainable aviation fuel
The future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is promising as the aviation industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality.
Here are some of the key developments and trends that are shaping the future of SAF:
Increased production
As demand for SAF grows, production is expected to increase. Several new SAF production facilities are under construction or in the planning stages, which will increase the availability and affordability of SAF.
Technological advancements
Advances in technology are making it easier and more cost-effective to produce SAF. New feedstocks and production processes are being developed that will make SAF more sustainable and economically viable.
Government support
Many governments around the world are supporting the development and use of SAF through policies and incentives. This includes tax credits, subsidies, and mandates for SAF use, which can help accelerate the adoption of SAF.
Partnerships and collaborations
Airlines, fuel producers, and other stakeholders in the aviation industry are forming partnerships and collaborations to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF. This includes collaborations on research and development, production, and distribution.
Innovation and experimentation
The aviation industry is exploring new ways to produce SAF, including through the use of waste and carbon capture technologies. This experimentation and innovation will help drive down the cost of SAF and increase its sustainability.
The future of SAF looks bright as the aviation industry takes steps to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a more sustainable future. With increased production, technological advancements, government support, partnerships and collaborations, and innovation and experimentation, SAF is set to play a key role in decarbonizing the aviation industry in the coming years.
https://www.exaputra.com/2023/05/benefits-of-saf-sustainable-aviation.html
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
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ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
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Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
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Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
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Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
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