10. Advanced Biorefineries to Produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The aviation sector's rapid growth, driven by increasing global air traffic and economic globalization, has led to significant environmental challenges despite improvements in fuel efficiency. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emerges as a promising solution to mitigate the sector's carbon footprint, with biorefineries playing a crucial role in its production. This chapter delves into the various production pathways for SAF, including hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthetic paraffinic kerosene, and alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel, each utilizing different feedstocks and offering unique sustainability benefits. The text highlights the economic challenges of SAF production, emphasizing the need for technological advancements and policy support to achieve economic viability. It also explores the potential of biorefineries to maximize the economic value of biomass, reduce waste, and support the transition to a more sustainable economy. The chapter provides a detailed analysis of real-world applications and case studies, offering insights into the future trends and innovations in the field. It concludes by underscoring the importance of integrating biorefineries into the aviation sector to achieve sustainable growth and align with global climate goals.