Abstract
In the face of global climate change and the expected increase in the demand for air transport over the next threedecades, the aviation sector needs innovative solutions to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. These innovative solutions may include converting abundant woody materials such as short rotation woody crops (SRWC) and forest residues to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Here, we present life cycle assessment (LCA) as a science-based, quantitative, well-established, and widely used method to assess the carbon intensity of alternative SAF pathway production. The average life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of SAF produced from SRWC and forest residues is 29 gCO2eq/MJ, with values ranging from −3 to 90 gCO2eq/MJ. The large GHG range captures the differences between the conversion pathways, feedstock types, geographic location, and methodological choices. In sum, applying LCA to assess the carbon intensity and other environmental and human health impacts of SAF can help decision-makers and other interested stakeholders understand the potential benefits and trade-offs of existing and new SAF conversion pathways.
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