Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

Alice Rush

Sustainable Energy

Sustainable Aviation

4 minutes read

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.

Benefits of SAF-Sustainable Aviation Fuel

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)

SAS has announced a partnership with SAF producer Preem to provide sustainable jet fuel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. They have launched several routes using SAF blends

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

Related Topics:benefits SAF sustainable aviation fuel

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My maternal grandfather was born in southeastern Pennsylvania in 1903 and told me when I was a boy that in the 1920s, times were so good that saloon owners would offer a free lunch, consisting of bread and butter, cheese, cold cuts, pickles and the like. “Sure, they were hoping you’d buy a glass of beer for a nickel, but they really didn’t mind if you didn’t and simply scarfed down a free sandwich.”

He went on to tell me that nowadays, there’s a popular slogan: There’s no such thing as a free lunch, “but believe me, there was at the time.”

From today’s perspective of greed and selfishness, this whole story sounds like a fairy tale. Corporations and the congresspeople they own want one thing: to suck the life out of us.

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Wind Industry Operations: In Wind’s Next Chapter, Operations take center stage

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February 26, 2026

Alice Rush

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Wind Industry Operations: In Wind’s Next Chapter, Operations take center stage

This exclusive article originally appeared in PES Wind 4 – 2025 with the title, Operations take center stage in wind’s next chapter. It was written by Allen Hall and other members of the WeatherGuard Lightning Tech team.

As aging fleets, shrinking margins, and new policies reshape the wind sector, wind energy operations are in the spotlight. The industry’s next chapter will be defined not by capacity growth, but by operational excellence, where integrated, predictive maintenance turns data into decisions and reliability into profit.

Wind farm operations are undergoing a fundamental transformation. After hosting hundreds of conversations on the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast, I’ve witnessed a clear pattern: the most successful operators are abandoning reactive maintenance in favor of integrated, predictive strategies. This shift isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we manage aging assets in an era of tightening margins and expanding responsibilities.

The evidence was overwhelming at this year’s SkySpecs Customer Forum, where representatives from over 75% of US installed wind capacity gathered to share experiences and strategies. The consensus was clear: those who integrate monitoring, inspection, and repair into a cohesive operational strategy are achieving dramatic improvements in reliability and profitability.

Takeaway: These options have been available to wind energy operations for years; now, adoption is critical.

Why traditional approaches to wind farm operations are failing

Today’s wind operators face an unprecedented convergence of challenges. Fleets installed during the 2010-2015 boom are aging in unexpected ways, revealing design vulnerabilities no one anticipated. Meanwhile, the support infrastructure is crumbling; spare parts have become scarce, OEM support is limited, and insurance companies are tightening coverage just when operators need them most.

The situation is particularly acute following recent policy changes. The One Big Beautiful Bill in the United States has fundamentally altered the economic landscape. PTC farming is no longer viable; turbines must run longer and more reliably than ever before. Engineering teams, already stretched thin, are being asked to manage not just wind assets but solar and battery storage as well. The old playbook simply doesn’t work anymore.

Consider the scope of just one challenge: polyester blade failures. During our podcast conversation with Edo Kuipers of We4Ce, we learned that an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 blades worldwide are experiencing root bushing issues. ‘After a while, blades are simply flying off,’ Kuipers explained. The financial impact of a single blade failure can exceed €300,000 when you factor in replacement costs, lost production, and crane mobilization. Yet innovative repair solutions, like the one developed by We4Ce and CNC Onsite, can address the same problem for €40,000 if caught early. This pattern repeats across every major component. Gearbox failures that once required complete replacement can now be predicted months in advance. Lightning damage that previously caused catastrophic failures can be prevented with inexpensive upgrades and real-time monitoring. All these solutions are based on the principle that predicted maintenance is better than an expensive surprise.

Seeing problems before they happeny, and potential risks

The transformation begins with visibility. Modern monitoring systems reveal problems that traditional methods miss entirely. Eric van Genuchten of Sensing360 shared an eye-opening statistic on our podcast: ‘In planetary gearbox failures, they get 90%, so there’s still 10% of failures they cannot detect.’ That missing 10% represents the catastrophic failures that destroy budgets and production targets. Advanced monitoring technologies are filling these gaps. Sensing360’s fiber optic sensors, for example, detect minute deformations in steel components, revealing load imbalances and fatigue progression invisible to traditional monitoring. ‘We integrate our sensors in steel and make rotating equipment smarter,’ van Genuchten explained.

Other companies are deploying acoustic systems to identify blade delamination, oil analysis for gearbox health, and electrical signature analysis for generator issues. Each technology adds a piece to the puzzle, but the real value comes from integration. The impact of load monitoring alone can be transformative.

As van Genuchten explained, ‘Twenty percent more loading on a gearbox or on a bearing is half of your life. The other way around, twenty percent less loading is double your life.’ With proper monitoring, operators can optimize load distribution across their fleet, extending component life while maximizing production.

But monitoring without action is just expensive data collection. The most successful operators are those who’ve learned to translate sensor data into operational decisions. This requires not just technology but organizational change, breaking down silos between monitoring, maintenance, and management teams.

In Wind Energy Operations, Early intervention makes the million-dollar difference

The economics of early intervention are compelling across every component type. The blade root bushing example from We4Ce illustrates this perfectly. With their solution, early detection means replacing just 24-30 bushings in about 24 hours of drilling work. Wait, and you’re looking at 60+ bushings and 60 hours of work. Early detection doesn’t just prevent catastrophic failure; it makes repairs faster, cheaper, and more reliable.

This principle extends throughout the turbine. Early-stage bearing damage can be addressed through targeted lubrication or minor adjustments. Incipient electrical issues can be resolved with cleaning or connection tightening. Small blade surface cracks can be repaired in a few hours before they propagate into structural damage requiring weeks of work.

Leading operators are implementing tiered response protocols based on monitoring data. Critical issues trigger immediate intervention. Developing problems are scheduled for the next maintenance window. Minor issues are monitored and addressed during routine service. This systematic approach reduces both emergency repairs and unnecessary maintenance, optimizing resource allocation across the fleet.

Turning information into action

While monitoring generates data, platforms like SkySpecs’ Horizon transform that data into operational intelligence. Josh Goryl, SkySpecs’ Chief Revenue Officer, explained their evolution at the recent Customer Forum: ‘I think where we can help our customers is getting all that data into one place.

The game-changer is integration across data types. The company is working to combine performance data with CMS data to provide valuable insights into turbine health. This approach has been informed by operators across the world, who’ve discovered that integrated platforms deliver insights that siloed data can’t.

The platform approach also addresses the reality of shrinking engineering teams managing expanding portfolios. As Goryl noted, many wind engineers are now responsible for solar and battery storage assets as well. One platform managing multiple technologies through a unified interface becomes essential for operational efficiency.

The Integration Imperative for Wind Farm Operations

The most successful operators aren’t just adopting individual technologies; they’re integrating monitoring, inspection, and repair into a seamless operational system. This integration operates at multiple levels.

At the technical level, data from various monitoring systems feeds into unified platforms that provide comprehensive asset visibility. These platforms don’t just display data; they analyze patterns, predict failures, and generate work orders.

At the organizational level, integration means breaking down barriers between departments. This cross-functional collaboration transforms O&M from a cost center into a value driver. Building your improvement roadmap For operators ready to enhance their O&M approach, the path forward involves several key steps:

Assessing the Current State of your Wind Energy Operations

Document your maintenance costs, failure rates, and downtime patterns. Identify which problems consume the most resources and which assets are most critical to your wind farm operations.

Start with targeted pilots Rather than attempting wholesale transformation, begin with focused initiatives targeting your biggest pain points. Whether it’s blade monitoring, gearbox sensors, or repair innovations, starting with your largest issue will help you see the biggest benefit.

• Invest in integration, not just technology: the most sophisticated monitoring system is worthless if its data isn’t acted upon. Ensure your organization has the processes and culture to transform data into decisions – this is the first step to profitability in your wind farm operations.

Build partnerships, not just contracts: look for technology providers and service companies willing to share knowledge, not just deliver services. The goal is building capability, not dependency.

• Measure and iterate: track the impact of each initiative on your key performance indicators. Use lessons learned to refine your approach and guide future investments.

The competitive advantage

The wind industry has reached an inflection point. With increasingly large and complex turbines, monitoring needs to adapt with it. The era of flying blind is over.

In an industry where margins continue to compress and competition intensifies, operational excellence has become a key differentiator. Those who master the integration of monitoring, inspection, and repair will thrive. Those who cling to reactive maintenance face escalating costs and declining competitiveness.

The technology exists. The business case is proven. The early adopters are already reaping the benefits. The question isn’t whether to transform your O&M approach, but how quickly you can adapt to this new reality. In the race to operational excellence, the winners will be those who act decisively to embrace the efficiency revolution reshaping wind operations.

Unless otherwise noted, images here are from We4C Rotorblade Specialist.