Assessing the Integration of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): Balancing Environmental Impact, Economic Viability, and Aircraft Performance in the Aviation Industry
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 15 credits / 22,5 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis examines the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in advancing the sustainability goals of the aviation industry, focusing on their environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and compatibility with existing aircraft performance. The research primarily involves a comprehensive literature review and analysis of existing studies to evaluate the potential of SAFs to reduce carbon emissions significantly—up to 80% relative to conventional jet fuels depending on the feedstock and processing methods used.
The economic analysis reveals that while SAFs are currently more costly than traditional fuels, regulatory incentives and technological advancements could decrease these costs, making SAFs more competitive. Performance-wise, SAFs are shown to be viable "drop-in" options, requiring minimal modifications to aircraft or fuel infrastructure, thus facilitating easier adoption across the industry.
The study concludes that despite the challenges, SAFs are indispensable for the aviation sector’s transition towards net-zero emissions. It emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders, and researchers to scale production and integrate SAFs into the global fuel mix effectively.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 64
Keywords [en]
SAF, Sustainable aviation fuels, alternative aviation fuel, aviation fuel
National Category
Energy Systems
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-44847OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-44847DiVA, id: diva2:1875302
Subject / course
Energy systems
Educational program
Energy engineering – master’s programme online (one year) (in eng)
Presentation
2024-05-31, Online - WebEx, 08:00 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2024-06-242024-06-212025-10-02Bibliographically approved