Chile plans to commence production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a large plant by 2030 and intends to use this fuel, derived from oils, fats, biological waste, and municipal waste, to meet half of its aviation needs by 2050, according to a government report released on Wednesday.
The “2050 SAF Roadmap” report was presented by Fernanda Cabañas, program coordinator for Chile’s public-private “Clean Flight” project aimed at decarbonizing the country’s airline industry, at an aviation conference in Santiago.
With expectations of air traffic doubling by 2040, Chile views SAF as crucial in achieving its decarbonization objectives, the report noted. SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel, reducing emissions by up to 80% without requiring engine modifications.
“In our net-zero goals, more than 50% of carbon emissions reductions will be achieved through SAF,” said Cabanas in an interview during the conference. “It plays a predominant role in our net zero goals.”
Cabanas mentioned that there are no current estimates on the volume the plant will produce by 2030. Airlines are eager to purchase SAF to meet sustainability targets, but supply is limited, and production methods are expensive, resulting in SAF costing three to five times more than traditional jet fuel.
Cabanas highlighted regional competition for SAF sources, noting that the program had engaged with local forestry, agriculture, and hydrogen industry representatives to assess the potential supply of raw materials.
A comprehensive study on the feasibility, economic projections, and potential sources of SAF that Chile can produce is anticipated within approximately six months.
Cristina Segura, head of Concepcion University’s bioenergy department, shared during a conference panel that her department aims to produce the country’s first liter of SAF.
The Biden administration in the United States is expected to unveil a preliminary climate model for SAF subsidies in the coming weeks. These subsidies, directed towards farmers and other raw material suppliers, are intended to support the U.S. in producing 3 billion gallons of SAF, a substantial increase from the current 15.8 million gallons.
