what ’ s working
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Ventures Plan Launch in Washington
Sustainable aviation fuel is in high demand around the globe but supply is limited . Production of the low-carbon fuel needs to massively scale up for aviation to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 . Washington could soon be home to a new industry to help meet the demand .
Jacqueline Allison
At A Glance
Sustainable aviation fuel ( SAF ), made from renewable sources such as agricultural waste , wood , sewage and algae , is a lowcarbon alternative to conventional petroleum jet fuel .
Aviation is one of the most difficult sectors to cut emissions , and airlines and other companies are relying on SAF to reach net-zero targets . SAF can be used alone or mixed with conventional jet fuel .
The Washington Legislature passed new policies this spring to kickstart SAF production here , and it ’ s already paying dividends with one company already announcing plans to build a facility in Washington .
PNNL researcher Rich Hallen , in partnership with LanzaTech , helped develop a process that converts ethanol to jet fuel . ( Photo : Andrea Starr / Pacific Northwest National Laboratory )
How do we make Washington a leader in sustainable aviation fuel production ?
In 2012 , a group of businesses , lawmakers and researchers came together to explore that question . This spring , the Legislature voted overwhelmingly for new policies – 10 years in the making – to spur sustainable aviation fuel ( SAF ) production in Washington .
“ We want more SAF because it ’ s such an effective way to reduce carbon emissions , but we also want to capture the positive economic impacts and jobs ,” said Sen . Andy Billig , D-Spokane , at a hearing on his bill , Senate Bill 5447 , in February .
More than a dozen people testified in support , including AWB President Kris Johnson , businesses , airlines , airports and labor unions .
Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable sources such as wood and crop residues , municipal waste , sewage and algae . The low-carbon fuels are considered a crucial tool for aviation to cut emissions and the best short-term solution to reach net-zero targets .
There is no SAF commercially produced in Washington state , but that could soon change . Several companies are exploring manufacturing plants here in anticipation of the legislation ’ s new
22 association of washington business