Korean Researchers Develop SAF from Wood and Grass
This new aviation fuel production uses non-food resources like wood and grass.
Provides a sustainable option that does not compete with food resources.
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), a multi-disciplinary research institute in Seoul, South Korea, has developed a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using non-edible plant materials like wood and grass.
This new fuel can reduce the aviation sector's carbon emissions significantly and help address a major environmental challenge for air travel.
The production of the SAF involves complex chemical processes. Plant oils are converted into high-energy components needed for aeroplanes. Elements such as naphthenes and aromatics, also called carbon rings, are produced during the processes, making the fuel suitable for aviation.
Researchers at KIST say that when this new fuel is mixed with regular jet fuel, it could altogether replace petroleum-based aviation fuel.
Read more: DOE Releases 'Pathways to Commercial Liftoff' SAF Report
Ha Jung-myung, the principal researcher, commented that this SAF reduces carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional regular jet fuel. They can also be produced in large quantities since non-edible plants are widely available, unlike traditional SAFs, which depend on limited food-based materials.
The research team has also ensured the large-scale commercial use of this fuel. They worked on making it stable and continuous, running it for over 100 hours without issues.
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Source: Business Korea
