In an era where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of global conversations, the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. The solution? Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—a cutting-edge, renewable alternative to traditional jet fuel that has the potential to reshape the future of aviation.

At New Rise Renewables, we specialize in producing SAF from non-food stock crops such as corn oil and soybean oil. This article will explore what SAF is, how it works, and why it holds the key to a cleaner, more sustainable future for air travel.

What Is SAF? A New Era in Aviation Fuel

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel made from renewable biomass and waste resources, designed to power aircraft with significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional jet fuel. Unlike traditional fossil-based jet fuel, SAF is derived from renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, and agricultural waste.

At New Rise Renewables, our SAF production process exclusively uses non-food feedstocks, like corn oil and soybean oil, which are by-products of agricultural processes, ensuring that our fuel doesn’t compete with food crops. This commitment not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures sustainable practices in farming and resource management.

How SAF Works: Chemistry and Compatibility

SAF is chemically similar to traditional jet fuel and is often referred to as a “drop-in fuel.” This means it can be blended with conventional jet fuel in existing aircraft engines and infrastructure without any modifications. It can be mixed in varying proportions—current regulations allow for up to 50% SAF to be blended with conventional jet fuel.

The key difference lies in the lifecycle emissions. While fossil-based jet fuel releases carbon that has been sequestered underground for millions of years, SAF comes from contemporary biomass, meaning that it recycles carbon already present in the ecosystem. As a result, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Why SAF Matters for Aviation’s Future

1. Reducing Aviation’s Carbon Footprint

Aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally, responsible for around 2-3% of total global carbon emissions. With the demand for air travel expected to grow in the coming decades, there’s an urgent need for a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. SAF offers an immediate solution, as it can be integrated into existing aviation systems while reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by a substantial margin.

By using non-food feedstocks like corn oil and soybean oil, New Rise Renewables further reduces the carbon footprint of SAF production. These feedstocks are not only renewable but also help avoid the environmental and ethical concerns associated with using food crops for fuel.

2. Compatibility with Existing Aircraft and Infrastructure

One of the biggest advantages of SAF is that it is fully compatible with current aircraft engines, airport fueling systems, and fuel logistics infrastructure. This “drop-in” capability means airlines don’t need to invest in expensive retrofitting or new technologies to adopt SAF, allowing for immediate impact on carbon reduction without costly delays.

3. Cleaner Emissions Beyond CO2

SAF not only reduces carbon emissions but also cuts other harmful pollutants produced by aviation emissions. Conventional jet fuel combustion releases sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulates into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and adverse health effects. SAF, on the other hand, burns cleaner, producing fewer of these harmful emissions.

This cleaner combustion improves air quality around airports and in high-traffic flight paths, reducing the aviation sector’s overall environmental footprint.

4. Energy Security and Supply Chain Resilience

The aviation industry has long been reliant on crude oil, a finite and politically volatile resource. SAF helps diversify fuel supply sources by using renewable feedstocks that are more geographically distributed and less prone to geopolitical disruptions.

At New Rise Renewables, our use of non-food feedstocks like corn oil and soybean oil ensures that we are not only sustainable but also resilient in our supply chains. This reduces the risks associated with price fluctuations in the global oil market and ensures a more stable, long-term supply of fuel.

5. Compliance with International Environmental Goals

The global aviation industry is working toward ambitious emissions reduction goals, such as ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the European Union’s Green Deal. SAF is a cornerstone of these strategies. It allows airlines and governments to meet their carbon reduction targets while keeping pace with the demand for air travel.

By investing in SAF today, airlines can future-proof their operations, ensuring they are compliant with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

SAF and Non-Food Feedstocks: A Sustainable Solution

One of the critical concerns in the shift to biofuels has been the competition between food production and fuel production. Early biofuels, derived from food crops like corn and sugarcane, raised concerns about their impact on food prices and land use.

At New Rise Renewables, we address this issue by using non-food feedstocks—specifically, by-products like corn oil and soybean oil. These oils are sourced from crops grown for other agricultural purposes, such as animal feed or human consumption, ensuring that our SAF production doesn’t contribute to food insecurity or deforestation.

Why Non-Food Feedstocks Matter

• No Competition with Global Food Supply: Using by-products ensures that we are not diverting crops meant for human or animal consumption to fuel production.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Non-food crops like corn oil and soybean oil have a lower overall environmental footprint since they are secondary products that would otherwise go to waste or be used in less sustainable applications.
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices: By utilizing agricultural by-products, we support the sustainable use of resources, promoting a circular economy that reduces waste and maximizes the use of existing assets.

SAF’s Role in Achieving Net-Zero Goals

The aviation industry has set ambitious targets for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. SAF is critical to meeting these goals, as it provides a viable solution to decarbonize aviation without waiting for technological breakthroughs in electric or hydrogen-powered flight, which are still years, if not decades, away from widespread adoption.

New Rise Renewables is at the forefront of this movement. By focusing on sustainable feedstocks and hydrotreating technology, we are driving the production of SAF at scale, contributing to the global effort to reduce aviation’s environmental impact.

The Road Ahead for SAF and Aviation

The future of SAF is bright, with increasing global attention and investment. In the coming years, we can expect to see:

1. Greater Adoption by Airlines

Major airlines around the world have already begun integrating SAF into their fleets. As production scales and costs decrease, SAF will become an even more attractive option for reducing carbon emissions.

2. Government Incentives and Support

Governments are starting to recognize SAF as a key player in the fight against climate change. We can expect to see more incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, to support SAF production and usage, especially as international aviation emissions regulations become more stringent.

3. Advances in Feedstock Research

Research is ongoing to expand the range of feedstocks that can be used for SAF production, including algae, waste gases, and forest residues. These innovations will help make SAF even more sustainable and efficient, enabling the aviation industry to meet its long-term climate goals.