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Use of Sustainable Fuels in Aviation—A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Eduardo Cabrera

    (Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • João M. Melo de Sousa

    (IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

As the push for carbon-neutral transport continues, the aviation sector is facing increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Furthermore, commercial air traffic is expected to resume the continuous growth experienced until the pandemic, highlighting the need for reduced emissions. The use of alternative fuels plays a key role in achieving future emission goals, while also lowering the dependency on fossil fuels. The so-called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which encompass bio and synthetic fuels, are currently the most viable option, but hydrogen is also being considered as a long-term solution. The present paper reviews the production methods, logistical and technological barriers, and potential for future mass implementation of these alternative fuels. In general, biofuels currently present higher technological readiness levels than other alternatives. Sustainable mass production faces critical feedstock-related challenges that synthetic fuels, together with other solutions, can overcome. All conventional fuel replacements, though with different scopes, will be important in meeting long-term goals. Government support will play an important role in accelerating and facilitating the transition towards sustainable aviation.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduardo Cabrera & João M. Melo de Sousa, 2022. "Use of Sustainable Fuels in Aviation—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:7:p:2440-:d:780146
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    Cited by:

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    2. Vishal Ram & Surender Reddy Salkuti, 2023. "An Overview of Major Synthetic Fuels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-35, March.
    3. Arias, Ana & Nika, Chrysanthi-Elisabeth & Vasilaki, Vasileia & Feijoo, Gumersindo & Moreira, Maria Teresa & Katsou, Evina, 2024. "Assessing the future prospects of emerging technologies for shipping and aviation biofuels: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
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    5. Teresa Castiglione & Diego Perrone & Luciano Strafella & Antonio Ficarella & Sergio Bova, 2023. "Linear Model of a Turboshaft Aero-Engine Including Components Degradation for Control-Oriented Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-18, March.
    6. Tobias Mueller & Steven Gronau, 2023. "Fostering Macroeconomic Research on Hydrogen-Powered Aviation: A Systematic Literature Review on General Equilibrium Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-33, February.
    7. Lucas Reijnders, 2022. "Defining and Operationalizing Sustainability in the Context of Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-9, July.
    8. Rafael Estevez & Laura Aguado-Deblas & Francisco J. López-Tenllado & Carlos Luna & Juan Calero & Antonio A. Romero & Felipa M. Bautista & Diego Luna, 2022. "Biodiesel Is Dead: Long Life to Advanced Biofuels—A Comprehensive Critical Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-39, April.

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