Risks determination during the life-cycle of conventional and sustainable aviation fuels - the environmental aspect

Abstract

The paper is devoted to determining and analysing potential risks related to the production and use of conventional and sustainable jet fuels. The modern state in the sphere of sustainable aviation development and decreasing the negative impact of air transport on the environment is presented. The use of alternative jet fuels is shown as one of the most reliable solutions for the decarbonisation of aviation. For the purpose of the study, the stages of the fuel life cycle were proposed and considered. Risks were determined and classified according to the proposed stages. Environmental risks, which may occur during the direct use of conventional and alternative jet fuels, are discussed in detail with a focus on exhaust gas emissions. It is shown that both types of fuels present environmental danger on a local and global level. At the same time, due to the natural origin and specific composition, sustainable aviation fuels may have fewer environmental risks for human health, the environment and global decarbonisation initiatives. The fulfilled study provides fundamentals for the following research in the field of environmental risk assessment with the development of quantitative estimates and proposals of certain measures.