Understanding Green Jet Fuel for Young Minds
Introducing the "Future of the Skies" Series: Exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel
In an effort to educate and engage children and students on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in their daily lives, and the potential for rewarding careers in protecting the planet, the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space programme has launched a new series called "Future of the Skies". This four-episode series, produced in English, French, German, and Spanish, aims to shed light on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and its potential uses.
SAF is an alternative to conventional fuels that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. It is made from renewable, non-fossil feedstocks such as used cooking oil, waste fats, agricultural residues, or captured carbon dioxide. The series explains how SAF can be used as a "drop-in" fuel, requiring no modification to existing aircraft engines or fuel infrastructure, and can be blended with fossil jet fuel (usually up to 50%).
The series aims to inspire kids to think critically about SAF and its potential uses. It encourages them to consider what could be used to produce SAF, changes that could be made to aircraft to make them friendlier for the planet, and the use of CO2 for growth in their homes. The series also contributes to students' better understanding of STEM's importance in daily life.
The first episode of the series focuses on the impact of jet fuel on the environment, highlighting the significant carbon emissions associated with air travel. The series then delves into the use of SAF in current and future aircrafts, comparing the CO2 emissions from fossil fuel and SAF, and the production of SAF.
SAF offers an immediate and practical way to reduce aviation's carbon footprint and improve air quality. It can lower lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 70-80% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel. SAF combustion produces lower sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter, resulting in better air quality near airports and less respiratory pollution. Reduced soot emissions from SAF also help lower the formation of contrails and cirrus clouds, which have a strong short-term warming effect on the climate.
Many SAF production methods utilize waste materials, helping reduce landfill waste and associated methane emissions, contributing to a circular economy. SAF can be produced through various pathways, including hydroprocessing fats and oils (HEFA), co-processing biofeedstocks in refineries, and emerging synthetic e-fuels from renewable hydrogen and captured CO2. These diverse production routes offer potential for scaling and decarbonizing aviation fuel supply without compromising current infrastructure.
The series will be shared on the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space's social media channels and a web platform, providing an after-school educational activity or a fun family leisure time for parents. The series also aims to foster family discussions about the importance of STEM in daily life and the potential for rewarding careers in protecting the planet.
With the series, the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space programme continues its mission of helping educators and parents engage with children and students on STEM topics since 2018. The "Future of the Skies" series gives new impetus to science classes dedicated to explaining SAF as an alternative to conventional fuels, especially in times of energy crisis.
References:
[1] Airbus (2021). Sustainable Aviation Fuel - Airbus. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/innovation/sustainability/sustainable-aviation-fuel.html
[2] Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - Boeing. Retrieved from https://www.boeing.com/sustainability/2021/03/sustainable-aviation-fuel
[3] Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - Rolls-Royce. Retrieved from https://www.rolls-royce.com/products-and-services/aerospace/sustainable-aviation-fuel.aspx
[4] Airbus (2020). Airbus sets out clear path to net zero carbon emissions for aviation by 2050. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/05/airbus-sets-out-clear-path-to-net-zero-carbon-emissions-for-aviation-by-2050.html
[5] Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - International Air Transport Association (IATA). Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e2976d791d8140599e2013441c439bb7/sustainable-aviation-fuel-saf-brochure.pdf
- This "Future of the Skies" series, developed by the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space, is part of an educational initiative to promote environmental-science, particularly Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), within the field of Science, Technology, Education-and-self-development, and online-education.
- The series not only emphasizes the benefits of SAF as a drop-in fuel, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, but also encourages learning about the various production methods, such as hydroprocessing fats and oils (HEFA), co-processing biofeedstocks in refineries, and emerging synthetic e-fuels from renewable hydrogen and captured CO2.
- By sharing this series on social media and a web platform, the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space aims to inspire family discussions about the role of STEM in daily life, fostering an appreciation for the potential for rewarding careers in protecting the environment and tackling issues like climate-change.
