What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable aviation fuel, commonly called SAF, is a renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel. SAF can be produced from a variety of renewable resources, including agricultural crops and residues, fats and oils, and other forms of biomass.
One pathway for producing SAF uses ethanol as a building block. Through a process known as alcohol-to-jet, ethanol can be converted into fuel suitable for aviation. This creates an opportunity to expand the role of ethanol beyond traditional transportation fuels and into the aviation sector.
For North Dakota, SAF represents an opportunity to connect agriculture, ethanol production, energy, and innovation while creating new potential markets for the state’s crops and renewable resources.
Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
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Takes Ethanol to New Heights
Ethanol can serve as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel through alcohol-to-jet technology, opening the door to new uses for ethanol beyond the traditional fuel market.
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Opens New Markets for Agriculture
Growing demand for SAF could create additional markets for crops, agricultural residues, and other renewable feedstocks produced by American farmers.
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Lowers the Carbon Footprint of Flight
Depending on the feedstock and production pathway, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional petroleum-based jet fuel.
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Fits into Today's Aviation System
SAF is designed to work within the existing aviation fuel system. Once it meets required specifications, it can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure.
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Brings Renewable Energy to Aviation
Aviation has fewer renewable fuel options than many other forms of transportation. SAF provides a pathway for renewable resources to help meet the energy needs of the aviation industry.
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Builds on North Dakota's Strengths
North Dakota’s strong agriculture, ethanol, and energy industries provide a foundation for potential opportunities in the SAF supply chain, connecting resources grown in the state with emerging renewable fuel markets.
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Expands the Future of Biofuels
SAF demonstrates how biofuels can continue to evolve beyond the gas pump. New technologies are creating opportunities to transform ethanol and other renewable resources into fuels for aviation and other hard-to-electrify transportation sectors.
