Decarbonizing the aviation sector with Electro Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) from biogenic CO2 captured at pulp mills

Abstract

This work provides a critical review on the integrated production of eSAF by Fischer-Tropsch in pulp mills. A plant design is proposed and analyzed by considering the most mature and ready technologies, namely: i) CO2 capture by amine absorption, ii) H2 production by water electrolysis, iii) syngas (CO + H2) production by Reverse Water Gas Shift, iv) Low Temperature Fischer-Tropsch and v) Fischer-Tropsch products refining to eSAF. This integration can be implemented today and has the potential to decarbonize approximately up to 10% of the aviation sector, making it the first step towards the establishment of eSAF production plants.The most important aspect for the success of the concept is achieving a continuous supply of green and cheap H2. This means that securing low-cost renewable electricity is a precedent condition for any plant based on this design. The integration in pulp mills also shows various potential synergies, being that some of them may be complex to capitalize on but offer substantial benefits. Significant improvements were also identified for each of the main building blocks, however prior technological development and demonstration is necessary before practical implementation in eSAF plants. As a result, first generation plants will produce eSAF that can be 5 to 8 times more expensive than fossil jet fuel, which implies that financial support will be mandatory to ramp-up the market and comply with European targets.