Sustainable aviation fuels are here to stay. While transitioning away from fossil aviation is probably some years away, there is clear momentum with more and more airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, fuel producers, and regulators committed to ambitious climate change targets that include carbon-neutral growth beginning in 2020, and halving of CO2 emissions using renewable jet fuels by 2050. Meeting these targets will require the use of biofuels that meet cost and sustainability targets. Because they are hydrogenated, renewable fuels like sustainable aviation fuels and renewable diesel don’t contain residual amounts of oxygen, and thus users don’t struggle with the impact of freezing temperatures or extended storage. These drop-in replacements like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are renewable jet fuels meeting either Jet A or Jet A1 fuel or JP8 (military) specifications depending on demand, existing contracts, and spot market prices. The principal market for both Jet A and Jet A1/ JP8 will be the Department of Defense and its associated military branches although some limited amounts may also be sold locally. When optimizing sustainable aviation fuel (i.e. jet fuel) yield, the primary product will have a volume yield of 50-70% of the feedstock flow. When in diesel fuel mode, the volume yield shifts to 85-95% depending on the type of vegetable oil feedstock. The variation in yield will be apparent in the secondary co-products namely propane and naphtha (unfinished gasoline liquid). A very small amount of “fuel gas” is also expected during both types of operation.
The sustainable aviation expert may assist investors in selecting the right technology and in preparing due diligence/feasibility studies and loan/grant applications. They follow the renewable diesel market and have experience with the current state of supply, demand, and pricing. They know many of the key players in the industry. During design, the renewable diesel expert may perform a peer review of the design, prepare cost opinions and assist with permit applications. During construction, the renewable diesel expert can assist with construction oversight of the renewable diesel facility and provide commissioning reports. They may also offer operator training, start-up assistance, and recipe management to assist renewable diesel plant owners in making the plant run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They are familiar with the specifications and requirements to sell the fuel. In matters involving renewable diesel litigation, the consultant may serve as an expert witness and assist the attorneys with understanding the processes and related technical issues and may testify in court about aspects of renewable diesel technology and related matters.
Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms like Lee Enterprises Consulting normally offer a wide range of services in biofuels, biochemicals, biotechnologies, biomaterials, synthetic biology commercialization, feedstocks, and hemp/cannabis. These companies should have business and financial services like due diligence, feedstock availability, grants and loans, and bio market research. The company also offers technical and engineering-related services like techno-economic analysis, environmental evaluations, feasibility studies, risk analysis, and expert witness engagements. They might also have strategic partnerships to assist clients with insurance, legal, accounting, plant fabrication, and feedstock procurement.
Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks. We certainly have specialists in sustainable aviation/renewable jet fuels. Our Bioenergy Section also handles ethanol, biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol, marine biofuels, biomass power, renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas and other landfill gases, renewable diesel, Fischer Tropsch Diesel, syngas, gas-to-liquids (GTL), Combined Heat & Power (CHP), biobutanol/isobutanol, bio coal, biochar & activated carbons, torrefied biomass, pyrolysis oil, DME, fuel additives, wood pellets, and more.
Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters. A good overview of our group is found in this video. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.
