Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Abstract

The life cycle assessment of sustainable aviation fuel and its significance in determining the environmental sustainability of SAF production are key to determining which production pathway provides the best solution. It is important that lifecycle assessment is transparent so that suitable comparisons can be made with other similar sustainable aviation pathways. This chapter provides an overview of the LCA methodology for SAF as well as an introduction to the principles and the scope of life cycle assessment in evaluating sustainable aviation fuels. Examined are possible future paths and problems for the life cycle assessment of sustainable aviation fuel, such as improvements to its methodology and data, the inclusion of social and economic factors, and addressing uncertainties and data gaps. The results in this chapter spotlight a lack of assessment in characterization factors within the life cycle production phase, ultimately being biased towards methods that carry global warming potentials as opposed to other characterization factors which provide an alternative perspective. Uncertainty is therefore still prevalent in these studies, and a more rigorous approach is necessary in order to provide clarity to the sustainable aviation fuel sector. Recommendations are given towards ensuring that LCA is used more effectively alongside other environmental impact assessment categories.