Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are considered the most promising measure to decarbonise aviation in the near- to mid-term using the existing global fleet.
SAF technologies currently stand at different stages of commercial development and face various challenges. Their respective trajectories towards large-scale deployment follow different timelines ranging from short- to medium-term.
There is a broad consensus between fuel producers and airlines that a wide spectrum of production pathways and feedstock with more innovative, sustainable and cost-effective pathways will be necessary to contribute effectively to decarbonising aviation. Several pathways are currently going through the approval process, and are expected to follow in the years to come. However, fuel approval is a lengthy and costly process that can be a barrier for fuel producers.
The main specifications for conventional fossil-based civil aviation Jet A-1 fuel are DEF STAN 91-91 and ASTM D1655. While there are currently various other national and international jet fuel specifications, these are generally similar and often follow either DEF STAN and/or ASTM requirements as jet fuel is an internationally traded commodity.
Any new aviation fuel, such as SAF, must meet similar strict fuel specifications as existing fossil-based ones, be mixable with them, have comparable behaviour and comply with fuel standards. It must also have at least the same level of operational safety requirements as conventional fuels in order to ensure compatibility with existing and future civil aircraft fleets (“drop-in”).
Recognising the challenges posed by the approval process, the United States set up a D4054 ‘Clearing House’ which provides advice and support, carries out and/or coordinates the necessary tests required and funds Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to review the research report produced based on the tests done (as required by the D4054 standard).
The EASA study in 2019 on a Sustainable Aviation Fuels ‘Facilitation Initiative’ subsequently recommended the creation of an EU SAF Clearing House, modelled on the US Clearing House and carrying out similar activities.
Funded by the European Union under Contribution Agreement MOVE/E1/SUB/2022-519/SI2.877543, the main objectives of the EU SAF Clearing House are:
- Prescreening fuel technical quality & advice with testing support for new entrant SAFs.
- Provision of comprehensive ASTM D4054 fuel testing facilities in a one-stop-shop.
- Information on the sustainability of new SAF products and their conformity to EU and other major jurisdiction market entry requirements.
- Proactive coordination between international counterparts, regulators and the aviation OEMs to achieve shared aims efficiently.
- SAF Champion advocacy fosters sharing of knowledge important to SAF approval and deployment.
- Contributing to efforts to streamline the existing fuel approval process without compromising product performance and safety.
More information can be found under the EU SAF Clearing House website at https://www.eusafclearinghouse.eu/.