Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Jet fuel produced from renewable or waste sources (biomass, used cooking oil, municipal waste, green hydrogen + CO2) that achieves significant lifecycle CO2 reductions compared to petroleum jet fuel. A drop-in replacement for conventional jet fuel.
Why It Matters
Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize because batteries can't power large aircraft. SAF is currently the only near-term option for reducing aviation emissions, with a federal goal of 3 billion gallons by 2030.
Related Topics
Related Terms
Biodiesel
A renewable diesel substitute made from vegetable oils (primarily soybean), used cooking oil, or animal fats through a chemical process called transesterification. Used in blends (B5-B20) with petroleum diesel.
Green Hydrogen
Hydrogen produced by splitting water (electrolysis) using renewable electricity. The process produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions. Currently costs $4-$8/kg vs. $1-$2/kg for conventional (gray) hydrogen.