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As Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) takes flight, there is excitement about the directions it will take the aviation industry in and the possibilities it will bring — commercially and environmentally.

There are seven approved pathways to SAF and, at this moment, two of them are operating at commercial scale (HEFA-SPK & FT-SPK). Behind these pathways are proven technologies that we have been working with for some time.

FEED YOUR FUEL

But what about the feedstocks? The first (virgin oils) and second generation (waste oils and fats) of renewable feedstocks are quickly being spoken for or legislation goes against it. Simply put, there is not going to be enough to help the world fly sustainably.

INBOUND: ADVANCED FEEDSTOCKS

The positive news is that the advanced, third generation of feedstocks are coming. These solid waste feedstocks can be derived from:
- solid biomass waste,
- rotational crops, 
- recycled carbon.

The process for processing solid waste feedstocks naturally differs somewhat from the first- and second-generation feedstocks. The principal divergence is the solid-to-liquid conversion process.

The technologies for this conversion process are almost ready and the knowledge is there but, due to the strict regulations in aviation, they are awaiting approval.

Solid waste feedstocks are a much more abundant resource and will remain so for many years to come. Advanced feedstocks are a thrilling development — and we will not be able to decarbonize aviation without them.

BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES, ENDLESS EXCITEMENT

There’s no doubt about it, the demand for SAF is going to keep growing. And that is making it a tremendously exciting industry to be involved with.

With innovative technologies and cutting-edge knowledge enabling the upgrading of advanced feedstocks, fuel production is at the center of the global transition. And forward-thinking businesses will capture this by moving into new, advanced feedstocks while the opportunity is ripe.

THE TOPSOE WAY: BUILD ON PROVEN TECHNOLOGY

Everything we do is based on the foundations we have built over decades. This means that when we are tackling advanced feedstocks, we are bringing in our knowledge of conversion of hydrocarbons while using and consuming the minimum amount of energy and securing the highest yields possible.

Whatever the type of advanced feedstock, we have a solution. Our HydroFlex™ solution began its first running reference in 2010 and has become the go-to technology for renewable fuels. Meanwhile, our G2L™ Biofuels and G2L™ eFuels solutions build on our commercially proven G2L™ offering to enable the production of several types of in-demand fuels.

We are just as excited as you about the potential for using advanced feedstocks in the production of SAF, and we can’t wait to work with you to implement them. Let’s fasten our seatbelts and take flight — to the future of feedstocks.

Tell me how

Milica Folić

Contact our Expert for more information about Topsoe.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel

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Knowledge Special: SAF TALKSTM

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is recognized as the most important solution currently available to the aviation industry as it looks to drive down its CO2 emissions and lower its impact on the environment. SAF is presently the only sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuel but yet it currently provides just 0.1-0.15% of global jet fuel use.

So what will it take to get SAF use off the ground? In our special Topsoe SAF Talks Series, recorded at the December 2022’s SAF Summit in Copenhagen, we gathered global experts spanning the SAF value chain to share their opinions and latest insights.

WATCH SAF TALKSTM

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