As global efforts to combat climate change continue, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a key player in creating a more eco-friendly future for the aviation industry. But SAF’s impact goes well beyond reducing carbon emissions from flights. Its production and adoption positively influence local communities, agriculture, and even the broader economy, helping to pave the way for a sustainable, interconnected future.

In this post, we’ll explore how SAF, with its biomass origins, affects not only the aviation sector but also reaches into rural economies, sustainable agriculture, and local ecosystems.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A Renewable Solution

Unlike traditional jet fuel derived from fossil resources, SAF is produced from renewable, biomass-based materials. At New Rise Renewables, we use non-food stock sources, such as corn oil and soybean oil, which ensures that our fuel production doesn’t interfere with food supply chains. This approach protects food security and enhances agricultural sustainability by promoting responsible use of resources.

Our SAF production process also uses advanced hydrotreating technology to create a cleaner-burning fuel that reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. But the benefits don’t end there—SAF’s production supports sustainable agriculture, stimulates economic growth, and reduces environmental impact for communities beyond the skies.

The Community Impact: A Boost to Rural Economies

SAF production relies on the supply of biomass materials, many of which are sourced from rural and agricultural communities. By cultivating non-food crops specifically for SAF, these areas experience economic growth, creating jobs and new revenue streams for farmers and local businesses.

This boost to rural economies is multifaceted:

• Job Creation: The demand for biomass feedstock in SAF production opens up job opportunities in farming, processing, and transportation, supporting a resilient agricultural workforce.
• Revenue Diversification: For farmers, SAF production offers a secondary market for crops that might otherwise have limited economic value. Non-food crops, such as those used in SAF production, provide a stable, additional source of income, making agricultural communities less dependent on food crop markets alone.

Agricultural Sustainability: A Catalyst for Eco-Friendly Farming Practices

Producing SAF from renewable resources drives sustainable agricultural practices. Here’s how:

1. Non-Food Stock Crops: New Rise Renewables uses non-food feedstocks, such as corn oil and soybean oil, which don’t compete with food supplies. By using these materials, SAF production reduces the potential strain on food systems, allowing more flexibility for farmers. For corn oil specifically, it is a byproduct of ethanol production and unless used for another purpose, it can be considered a waste residue. New Rise Renewables’s utilization of corn oil as feedstock immediately has a low carbon footprint by taking advantage of another process’s waste material.
2. Encouraging Crop Rotation and Soil Health: SAF production can encourage the use of cover crops and non-food crops, which are essential for crop rotation. Planting these crops enhances soil health, reduces erosion, and increases biodiversity on farmland, which ultimately contributes to long-term agricultural sustainability.
3. Reducing Waste: By utilizing crop residues and by-products, SAF helps reduce agricultural waste, turning otherwise unused materials into valuable resources for energy production. This promotes a circular economy in the agriculture sector, where all parts of the plant contribute to the economy and environment.

Economic Impact: Investing in a Low-Carbon Economy

As the demand for SAF grows, so too does the potential for economic development and investment in a low-carbon economy. The benefits of SAF extend to various sectors, creating opportunities for innovation, production, and expansion in the green energy market:

• Green Energy Infrastructure: SAF production requires dedicated facilities and infrastructure for processing, blending, and distribution. Investments in this infrastructure create long-term assets that support job creation and economic growth in the clean energy sector.
• Attracting Private and Government Investment: As a renewable solution aligned with global climate goals, SAF attracts interest from governments and private investors alike. Programs and policies that support SAF production stimulate further investment in the green economy, incentivizing research and development that ultimately improves SAF’s availability and efficiency.
• Strengthening National Energy Security: SAF production reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels by creating a viable domestic energy source. For many countries, this strengthens energy security and increases resilience to global oil price fluctuations, all while supporting climate targets.

The Environmental Impact: Reducing Carbon and Improving Air Quality

Beyond its economic and social benefits, SAF has a significant positive impact on the environment. Hydrotreating, the technology we use at New Rise Renewables, produces a cleaner-burning fuel that results in fewer particulates and lower sulfur emissions than conventional jet fuel. This leads to:

• Improved Air Quality: SAF’s reduced particulate emissions help improve air quality, particularly around airports and urban centers where air traffic is high. This cleaner air contributes to better health outcomes for nearby communities.
• Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: SAF reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, helping airlines and other stakeholders in the aviation industry move toward carbon neutrality. Reducing these emissions not only aligns with climate action goals but also mitigates the environmental impact on local ecosystems and global temperatures.

Looking Ahead: SAF’s Potential to Reshape the Future

As we look to the future, the potential for SAF to reshape both aviation and broader industries is becoming clear. By driving demand for renewable resources, creating jobs in rural economies, and promoting agricultural sustainability, SAF is laying the groundwork for an interconnected, low-carbon future. With its ability to reduce emissions, stimulate the economy, and create a more resilient agricultural system, SAF’s impact truly goes beyond the skies, transforming both industry and community for generations to come.

At New Rise Renewables, we’re dedicated to leading the charge in sustainable aviation. By focusing on renewable, non-food feedstocks and employing hydrotreating technology, we’re producing a high-quality SAF that meets the aviation industry’s stringent standards while supporting sustainable development. Through our commitment to clean, renewable energy, we’re helping to build a future where flight is not only possible but also sustainable for the environment and beneficial for communities.

In every way, SAF is more than just a fuel—it’s a step toward a sustainable, low-carbon future that benefits our planet and its people, both on the ground and in the air.