Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional jet fuel, promising not only to lower emissions but also to create a more sustainable future for air travel. At the forefront of this movement is New Rise Renewables, a company committed to producing the blending component needed for SAF – Mainly from non-food stock crops like corn oil and soybean oil, using advanced hydrotreating technology.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how SAF is reshaping the skies and making air travel more environmentally friendly.

What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, is a biofuel made from renewable sources, primarily non-food feedstocks, that can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. SAF is a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be blended with traditional fuel without requiring any changes to aircraft engines or fueling infrastructure. This compatibility with existing aviation systems makes SAF an accessible and immediate option for reducing the aviation industry’s environmental impact.

The Environmental Impact: Greener Skies

Air travel is responsible for approximately 2-3% of global carbon emissions, and as demand is projected to grow in the coming decades, these numbers are expected to rise. SAF offers a solution to this challenge. Produced from renewable sources, SAF helps lower the carbon footprint of flights while supporting sustainable agriculture and energy practices.

At New Rise Renewables, we exclusively use non-food stock sources like corn oil and soybean oil to produce the renewable synthetic blending component (SBC) for SAF. Using corn oil has the added advantage of zero land use, as it is a waste byproduct typically from ethanol production. Farmland does not have to be dedicated specifically to its production. This approach ensures that food resources aren’t diverted away from human consumption, while still providing a high-quality, renewable fuel. By prioritizing sustainable sources, we’re able to contribute to a cleaner future while reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

The Role of Hydrotreating Technology

One of the key innovations driving SAF forward is hydrotreating technology, which we use at New Rise Renewables to produce SBC.

Why Airlines Are Adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel

More airlines around the world are turning to SAF for its environmental and operational benefits. Here are some of the reasons SAF is gaining traction:

1. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
   SAF offers airlines a practical way to lower their carbon emissions without major overhauls to their fleets. For carriers with strong sustainability targets, SAF provides an immediate solution to reduce emissions in the short term.
2. Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure
   Since SAF is a drop-in fuel, it can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing engines. This flexibility makes SAF adoption seamless for airlines, allowing them to begin reducing their carbon footprint without the need for major technological changes.
3. Meeting Regulatory and Consumer Expectations
   Governments, industry stakeholders, and eco-conscious consumers are increasingly calling for sustainable travel options. By adopting SAF, airlines can stay ahead of environmental regulations, attract environmentally minded travelers, and enhance their brand image.
4. Supporting Global Sustainability Goals
   As governments and organizations work toward global climate goals, SAF offers a scalable way for airlines to contribute to these initiatives. From the Paris Agreement to net-zero commitments, SAF aligns with a variety of sustainability targets.

 

The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

As SAF production scales up, it is expected to become more widely available and economically viable to customers. Producers like New Rise Renewables are working to increase SAF supply by using innovative technology and sustainable feedstocks. Our hydrotreating process enables us to produce SAF blending component efficiently, ensuring that airlines and consumers have access to a renewable fuel at competitive prices.

In the future, SAF could potentially power long-haul flights and contribute significantly to the aviation sector’s decarbonization. Additionally, as SAF production technologies improve, there is potential for even greater reductions in carbon emissions from the fuels use.

How New Rise Renewables Is Leading the Way

At New Rise Renewables, we are committed to driving the future of sustainable aviation. Our SBC production process uses non-food stock crops, like corn oil and soybean oil, ensuring that food resources remain prioritized for nutritional needs. Through our  hydrotreating technology, we are able to produce a fuel that not only meets the rigorous demands of aviation but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, we are proud to contribute to a greener future for flight. With SBC production, New Rise Renewables is helping to transform air travel into a sustainable option that benefits both people and the planet.  We are excited to see how SAF will continue to change the course of aviation, bringing the world closer to a carbon-neutral future.