Title:
Algae to Aviation Fuel: an Estimation of the GHG Emission Performance
Author(s):
Prussi, M., Buffi, M., Weindorf, W., Scarlat, N.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
In spite of the dramatic changes aviation is facing, mostly induced by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the sector is committed to the ambitious goal set in CORSIA, and at European level the Green Deal clearly pointed on aviation as a fundamental sector to decarbonise. Before the COVID-19, the 2020 was planned to be the year for defining the baseline emissions, in the framework of the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation initiative (CORSIA). Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are identified as a suitable solution to achieve decarbonisation in the short- to medium-term. To the list of certified SAF production pathways, the HEFA from algae has been recently added. At EU level, this feedstock is relevant also in the framework of the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII), as it is listed among the advanced feedstock in Annex IX part A. Microalgae as feedstock for energy sector have been largely investigated, but high production costs and low energy yield hindered a real market diffusion of the existing technologies. Recently, new investments occurred, in large algae production plants often in combination with waste streams recovery using algae (e.g. wastewater treatment). Moreover, recent developments in dewatering system, i.e. the section requiring the higher energy demand of the system, lowered OPEX to competitive levels. Specifically for SAF, algae to kerosene pathways seems to be getting momentum. The paper applies the Core-LCA methodology, defined by ICAO/CORSIA technical group, to propose an estimation of the GHG saving potential of this alternative fuel pathway. E3database is used as software to calculate the GHG emissions. ICAO/CORSIA baseline for kerosene (89 gCO2eq/MJ) is used to define the saving. Due to the required large production volumes, open ponds are considered as a promising production technology. New certified pathways target the production of algae oil, rich in hydrocarbons, so to lower the upgrading costs. The modelled oil extraction stage is made of several steps, allowing for high-energy integration and high extraction yields. Potential interactions with waste recovery plants have been considered in order to lower the required inputs. The results show an interesting GHG saving potential in comparison with the LCA values calculated for more traditional SAF feedstock (e.g. crop derived vegetable oils known as “first generation biofuels”).
Keywords:
alternative fuel, biofuel, aviation, GHG savings, SAF, RED II
Topic:
Plenaries
Subtopic:
Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
CP.1.2
Pages:
23 - 24
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-CP.1.2
Price:
FREE
