SAFs offer a 70% reduction in life-cycle carbon and a 90% reduction in particulates making them cleaner burning than petroleum-based jet fuel. Sustainable Aviation forecast that a UK SAF industry will deliver 14 new SAF production facilities by 2035, add £2.7bn GVA to the UK economy and support 13,600 jobs across the SAF supply chain.
Any new aviation fuel must undergo significant fit-for-purpose testing with increasing cost and fuel volumes through the four-tier process. This is a significant barrier to the market uptake of lower carbon fuels for aviation. In recognition of this barrier, KTN set up a UK Clearing House Task Force comprising industry experts to create a business case for national virtual capability to support producers through the early stages of fuel testing.
At KTN we understand the importance and challenges around early technology readiness level (TRL) development of SAF as well as commercial scale-up and deployment. We work closely with industry experts and government to identify priority areas for R&D supporting acceleration of feedstock production pathways; infrastructure; blending; storage and logistics; and technical specification and certification.
R&D priorities
KTN has produced a report looking at the R&D priorities needed to support a UK SAF industry which can be accessed here.
