The aviation and shipping industries significantly contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, making up roughly 2.5% and 3% of global CO2 emissions, respectively. As these sectors expand, their environmental impact is increasingly alarming. Biofuels have emerged as a promising solution to reduce these emissions and transition to more sustainable transportation. This article delves into the potential of biofuels for decarbonising aviation and shipping, examining recent advancements, benefits, challenges, and future prospects.
Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from organic waste and biomass, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. They offer a quick and effective way to cut emissions in industries like aviation and shipping, where electrification is not yet viable. Biofuels fall into three main categories: first-generation biofuels from food crops, second-generation biofuels from non-food biomass and waste materials, and third-generation biofuels from algae and microorganisms. First-generation biofuels are becoming less popular due to competition with food production. Second-generation biofuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, offer a more sustainable option by utilising waste materials. Third-generation biofuels are still not commercially produced but hold promise for the future.
The production process for biofuels involves multiple steps, from feedstock cultivation to refining. Biodiesel is typically produced through transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, while bioethanol is made by fermenting sugars or starches. Advanced biofuels often use more complex methods like gasification and pyrolysis.
Industry initiatives are playing a crucial role in promoting biofuel adoption. For example, Qantas and Airbus have committed up to US$200 million to develop a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia, aiming to incorporate 10% SAF into Qantas’s fuel mix by 2030. This initiative is expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 25%. Similarly, in the shipping industry, Hapag-Lloyd and Scan Global Logistics are working on an ocean biofuel initiative to integrate renewable biofuels into their operations, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance logistics sustainability.
Recent efforts in the aviation sector include Iberia’s collaboration with Repsol to launch long-haul flights using biofuel derived from waste. Their inaugural Madrid-Washington DC flight used 15% less fuel than its predecessor, showcasing improved environmental efficiency. This initiative highlights the potential for waste-to-fuel technologies in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. In shipping, Tata Steel successfully completed a voyage from Australia to India using a B24 biofuel blend, which significantly cut carbon emissions.
Innovative projects are also underway to increase biofuel production for aviation and shipping. HutanBio, a biotech company founded by Cambridge University scientists, recently secured a £2.25 million investment to advance its HBx bio-fuel oil. Produced from algae in specialised bioreactor farms, HBx offers a circular carbon capture solution and supports energy security without competing with agriculture or causing environmental harm.
Biofuels offer substantial potential for carbon reduction, cutting emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil fuels. They also contribute to energy security by diversifying fuel sources and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Despite these benefits, realising the full potential of biofuels requires concerted efforts from industry, government, and researchers. Continued investment in research and development, along with supportive policies and industry commitments, is essential to overcome current challenges and scale up biofuel production and use in aviation and shipping.
Bbiofuels represent a promising path towards decarbonising aviation and shipping. As technology advances and production increases, they could play a critical role in meeting climate targets for these hard-to-abate sectors.
Quadrise plc (LON:QED) is an energy technology provider whose solutions enable production of cheaper, cleaner, simpler and safer alternatives to fuel oil and biofuels, proven in real world applications. Quadrise technologies produce transition fuels called MSAR® and bioMSAR™, which allow clients in the shipping, utilities and industrial sectors to reduce carbon emissions whilst also saving costs.
