As the aviation industry increasingly embraces Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), misconceptions about its production, environmental impact, and long-term potential have also spread. These myths can cloud public understanding of SAF and slow its adoption, which is critical in the fight against climate change. At New Rise Renewables, we’re committed to not only producing SAF but also educating the public and industry stakeholders about its benefits and limitations.

In this blog, we’ll break down and debunk some of the most common myths surrounding SAF, giving you a clearer picture of its role in shaping a greener aviation future.

Myth 1: SAF Isn’t Much Better for the Environment Than Conventional Jet Fuel

One of the most pervasive myths is that SAF doesn’t offer significant environmental benefits compared to traditional jet fuel. This misconception likely stems from confusion about how SAF works and its real-world impact on emissions.

The Truth: SAF Reduces Lifecycle Emissions by Up to 80%

Sustainable Aviation Fuel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% when compared to conventional jet fuel. The key difference lies in the fuel’s source. While traditional jet fuel is derived from crude oil, SAF is produced from renewable biomass, such as non-food feedstocks like corn oil, soybean oil, and agricultural residues.

Because SAF uses recently captured carbon from plants and waste products, rather than carbon sequestered underground for millions of years, it disrupts the cycle of releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere. This means that SAF has a much smaller carbon footprint over its lifecycle, from production to combustion.

Moreover, SAF burns cleaner, producing fewer particulates and sulfur oxides (SOx), reducing harmful pollutants and improving air quality around airports.

Myth 2: SAF Competes with Food Production and Leads to Deforestation

Some critics argue that the production of SAF contributes to food insecurity or results in deforestation as land is converted to grow biofuel crops instead of food crops.

The Truth: SAF Can Be Made from Non-Food Feedstocks

At New Rise Renewables, we exclusively use non-food feedstocks such as corn oil and soybean oil, both of which are by-products of other agricultural processes. These oils are often considered waste products, making them a sustainable alternative without competing with food crops or displacing agricultural land used for food production.

Furthermore, advances in SAF technology are expanding the range of feedstocks to include materials like used cooking oil, animal fats, and even agricultural residues like crop waste. This ensures that SAF production can scale up without negatively impacting food security or causing deforestation.

Myth 3: SAF Requires Special Engines and Infrastructure

Another common myth is that SAF can only be used in specially designed aircraft engines or that airports would need to install entirely new fuel infrastructure to accommodate it.

The Truth: SAF Is a “Drop-In” Fuel

One of the greatest benefits of SAF is that it is fully compatible with existing jet engines and fuel systems. SAF is known as a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be blended with conventional jet fuel in varying ratios (up to 50% by current aviation standards) and used in today’s commercial aircraft without any modifications.

Additionally, SAF can be transported and stored using the same infrastructure as conventional jet fuel. This seamless integration means airlines and airports can adopt SAF without significant capital investments in new technology or fuel systems, making it one of the most practical near-term solutions for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.

Myth 4: SAF Will Never Be Produced at a Scale Large Enough to Make a Difference

Some skeptics argue that SAF will always remain a niche product, unable to reach the production levels necessary to have a meaningful impact on global aviation emissions.

The Truth: SAF Production Is Scaling Up Rapidly

While SAF production is still in its early stages compared to conventional jet fuel, the industry is growing rapidly. Governments, airlines, and fuel producers are making significant investments in SAF capacity. In fact, global SAF production is expected to increase dramatically over the next decade as demand rises and new technologies emerge.

At New Rise Renewables, we’re actively contributing to this scale-up by using hydrotreating technology and renewable, non-food feedstocks like corn oil and soybean oil, which offer a scalable and sustainable path to meeting the growing demand for SAF.

Moreover, advancements in feedstock diversification and process efficiency will further boost SAF production potential, enabling it to become a mainstream fuel in the aviation industry.

Myth 5: SAF Is Too Expensive to Be a Viable Solution

Cost is a common concern when it comes to SAF, with many believing that it will always be significantly more expensive than fossil-based jet fuel, making it unfeasible for widespread adoption.

The Truth: SAF Costs Are Decreasing as Production Scales

It’s true that SAF currently costs more to produce than conventional jet fuel. However, this price gap is narrowing as production scales and new technologies make SAF more cost-effective. Government incentives, such as subsidies and carbon credits, are also helping to reduce the cost difference, making SAF a more attractive option for airlines.

Additionally, as global carbon pricing mechanisms become more stringent, the cost of emitting greenhouse gases will rise, making conventional jet fuel comparatively more expensive. SAF, with its lower lifecycle emissions, will benefit from these shifts in environmental policy.

In the long term, the cost of SAF is expected to decrease significantly as economies of scale kick in, similar to what has been seen in the renewable energy sector with solar and wind power.

Myth 6: SAF Isn’t Ready for Widespread Use

Some believe that SAF is still an experimental technology, far from being ready for widespread use by commercial airlines.

The Truth: SAF Is Already Being Used by Major Airlines

SAF is not some distant, untested technology. It is already being used by major airlines around the world. Leading carriers such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, and British Airways have been incorporating SAF into their fuel mix for commercial flights for several years now. In 2021 alone, over 300,000 flights used SAF blends.

Airports and governments are also increasingly supporting SAF adoption. For example, ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) has laid out a framework that incentivizes airlines to reduce their emissions through measures like using SAF.

Furthermore, SAF has undergone extensive testing and certification to meet stringent aviation fuel standards. It has been proven safe and effective in a wide range of aircraft, from small private jets to large commercial airliners.

Myth 7: SAF Will Only Be a Short-Term Solution

There is a belief that SAF is merely a stopgap measure until more revolutionary technologies, such as electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft, become mainstream.

The Truth: SAF Is a Critical Long-Term Solution for Aviation

While electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft hold promise, they are still in the early stages of development and may not be commercially viable for decades, particularly for long-haul flights. In contrast, SAF is available right now and can be deployed at scale with existing aircraft.

Given the urgent need to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions, SAF represents the most immediate and impactful solution. It will play a critical role in helping the aviation industry meet its short and long-term carbon reduction goals, including net-zero emissions by 2050.

Moreover, SAF’s potential for innovation and scalability means it will continue to evolve and improve, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of sustainable aviation for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion: SAF Is the Future of Sustainable Aviation

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer for the aviation industry. Despite the myths and misconceptions, SAF is proving to be a viable, scalable, and essential part of the solution to reducing the carbon footprint of air travel. At New Rise Renewables, we are committed to busting these myths and driving the adoption of SAF by producing fuel from sustainable, non-food feedstocks like corn oil and soybean oil.

As we continue to innovate and scale our SAF production, the aviation industry will move closer to its goal of sustainable, low-carbon flight, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the benefits of air travel without the environmental cost.