Next generation sustainable aviation fuels powered by renewable energy

Abstract

Decarbonizing aviation has emerged as a significant challenge in the pursuit of global climate neutrality, given its reliance on high-energy-density liquid fuels and the lack of credible alternatives to zero-emission propulsion for long-haul flights. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) have emerged as the most realistic near-to intermediate-term option for reducing aviation greenhouse gas emissions, while being fully compatible with current aircraft and infrastructure. In this comprehensive and critical review, we provide a synthesis of existing and emerging SAF pathways, specifically, those involving renewable energy-driven systems. This review provides an overview of several ASTM-certified technologies: hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, Fischer Tropsch-synthetic paraffinic kerosene, alcohol-to-jet, and synthetic iso-paraffins; as well as next-generation routes, including renewable electricity, green hydrogen, and carbon capture and utilization, such as power-to-liquid electrofuels, hybrid biomass-renewable pathways, solar thermochemical synthesis, and waste-to-fuel processes. Techno-economic and life-cycle analyses indicate that mature biomass-based pathways achieve GHG emissions reductions of 50%–80%, whereas renewable-powered SAF achieves reductions of 95%–98% when fully accounting for green inputs. Enabling factors are also explored in the review, including electrolyzer efficiency, carbon utilization strategies, infrastructure integration, and policy frameworks (CORSIA, ReFuelEU, SAF Grand Challenge) that could support the transition to larger-scale development. Overall, this review emphasizes that cost-competitive, net-zero pavement will depend on coordinated progress across renewable energy systems, hydrogen economies, and global policy alignment to drive the next generation of SAFs.