Exxon Mobil Senior Vice President Jack Williams highlighted cost as the primary barrier to increasing the utilization of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) during a conference near Chicago on Friday.
SAF, a biofuel derived from plant or animal materials such as used cooking oil or agricultural waste, has the potential to decrease carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. However, its price can be up to five times higher than that of conventional fuel.
“In terms of drawbacks, the main issue is the cost,” Williams stated. “As we contemplate expanding the use of SAF… we need to concentrate on strategies to minimize expenses.”
Williams characterized the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act as a pivotal measure for advancing biofuel production, along with initiatives for carbon capture and storage, as well as low carbon hydrogen.
