Argonne technology converts waste streams into SAF

In Illinois, Argonne National Laboratory reported that a new technology creates sustainable aviation fuel that significantly cuts carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have developed a novel technology that creates a cost-competitive SAF that could reduce GHG emissions in the aviation industry by up to 70%. Argonne’s life cycle and techno-economic models were used to analyze environmental impacts and economic viability of the SAF. “Designing a membrane-assisted technology that achieves a 70% reduction in greenhouse gases at a cost comparable with conventional jet fuel is a significant advancement,” said Haoran Wu, Argonne postdoctoral researcher. New research shows that novel methane arrested anerobic digestion (MAAD) technology converts high-strength organic wastewater into volatile fatty acids, which can be upgraded to SAF. As key precursors for SAF production, volatile fatty acids can play a critical role in decarbonizing the aviation industry, Wu added. “Volatile fatty acids from waste streams can make biofuel production more cost-effective and sustainable,” said Wu. ​“Argonne’s novel technology uses a membrane-assisted bioreactor to enhance the production of volatile fatty acids.” The research advances goals outlined in the DOE’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge which aims to increase the production of SAF to three billion gallons by 2030. The goal is to produce enough fuel to meet 100% of commercial jet fuel demand by 2050.

More on the story.