Bio-Jet Fuel Production Technologies for GHG Reduction in Aviation Sector

Abstract

Thie study presents the biomass-derived jet (bio-jet) fuel production technologies for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in aviation sector. The aviation sector is responsible for the 2% of the world anthropogenic <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> emissions and the 10% of the fuel consumption: airlines' costs for fuel reach 30% of operating costs. In addition, the aviation traffic is expected to double within 15 years from 2012, while fuel consumption and <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> emissions should double in 25 years. Biojet fuels have been claimed to be one of the most promising and strategic solutions to mitigate aviation emissions. This jet fuel, additionally, must meet ASTM International specifications and potentially be a100% drop-in replacement for current petroleum jet fuel. In this study, the current technologies for producing renewable jet fuels, categorized by alcohols-to-jet, oil-to-jet, syngas-to-jet, and sugar-to-jet pathways are reviewed for process, economic analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) on conversion pathways to bio-jet fuel.