Sustainable Aviation Fuel delays mean we must move quicker on alternative abatement practices

The Conversation has highlighted that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will not be available at scale for “years”, meaning it will have little impact on aviation emissions in the near future. While SAF is often regarded as a key solution for reducing the sector’s carbon footprint, its limited production and availability mean it will not significantly reduce emissions for years to come. A raft of emissions abatement technologies and practices, including microvanes, operational efficiencies, fleet renewal, and MicroTau’s own Riblet Modification Package, enable commercial airlines to reduce their carbon emissions in the near term. 

The potential emissions reductions from SAF vary widely, depending on production methods and how emissions are accounted for throughout the fuel’s lifestyle from waste sources to fuel production and combustion. As incentives to scale up SAF increase, these accounting complexities need to be addressed. A 2023 review by the Royal Society found that, at best, SAF could achieve negative emissions (a 111% reduction), but at worst, it could be more carbon-intensive than fossil jet fuel, increasing emissions by 69%. 

Despite being labelled a greener alternative, burning SAF emits a similar amount of CO2 as burning conventional jet fuel. Its carbon reduction potential is primarily based on accounting assumptions that credit the use of waste and energy crops, which would otherwise degrade or be incinerated. This approach results in lower net emissions but does not eliminate them. 

In response to growing climate concerns, the UK has introduced a SAF mandate requiring aviation fuel suppliers to gradually increase SAF usage, starting at 2% of total jet fuel in 2025, rising to 10% by 2030, and 22% by 2040. However, with aviation emissions projected to triple by 2050 without intervention, SAF alone is unlikely to be a sufficient solution. 

MicroTau offers an immediate and scalable way to reduce aviation emissions. Its riblet technology minimizes aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel consumption and emissions without requiring new fuel sources or infrastructure. While SAF is part of the long-term strategy, innovations like MicroTau provide tangible benefits today, helping the aviation industry cut emissions more effectively in the short term.