SAF is Pakistan’s Answer to Climate Change and Possible Flight Ban.

“France recently banned short-haul flights to cut carbon emissions, a move that Pakistan might face if it doesn’t advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives”, according to Mr Ali Abdullah, the country sales manager of Axens, a solution provider for sustainable technologies. In a discussion about the future of biofuels in Pakistan, Abdullah emphasized the urgency of transforming the aviation sector into a sustainable and eco-friendly enterprise amid geopolitical changes and rising carbon emissions.
The aviation industry is crucial for global connectivity and economic development. However, rapid changes in geopolitical conditions and increasing carbon emissions pose significant threats to Pakistan’s already fragile economy. As the world faces the consequences of climate change, there is an urgent need to transform the aviation sector into a sustainable and eco-friendly enterprise. A key solution is the investment in and widespread adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). SAFs are categorized into net carbon-neutral drop-in fuels like synthetic or bio-fuels and non-drop-in fuels like hydrogen. Widely used by airlines globally, SAFs comply fully with aviation fuel standards (certified under ASTM D7566 specifications) and can be blended with conventional jet fuel for immediate use. They are also compatible with existing aircraft engines and airport fuel infrastructure.
Various technologies are being developed to convert different feedstocks into jet fuel. Alcohol-to-jet technologies, which use feedstocks ethanol derived from first-generation feedstock: sugar cane (molasses), maize, or second-generation feedstock: lignocellulose biomass like bagasse, rice straw, wheat straw, banana leaves, etc. These technologies are supported by entities such as DARPA and the U.S. Navy and have commercial partnerships with companies like Boeing and Virgin Atlantic. Hydro-processed ester and fatty acids processes (HEFA) utilize waste oil and vegetable oils, backed by the U.S. Navy and NASA, with partners including Lufthansa and GE Aviation. Catalytic Hydrothermolysis and Hydrotreated Depolymerized Cellulosic Jet technologies, funded by the FAA, involve companies such as Rolls-Royce. Gas-to-jet methods use biogas, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, with commercial partners like Qatar Airways. Sugar-to-Jet and Direct Sugar Biological to Hydrocarbons involve advanced catalytic and biological processes, supported by the U.S. Navy and FAA, with partnerships with companies like Embraer and Azul Airlines. However, Mr Abdullah emphasized that HEFA processes are more beneficial for Pakistan due to their mature and proven technology, availability of huge amounts of cooking oil and comparatively lower investment requirements. When inquired about ethanol, he mentioned that it is preferable to use it for gasoline blending to reduce the import bill or for export purposes on a short-term basis until HEFA feedstock is spent then alcohol to jet may be needed.
While answering the financing issue for funding SAF’s plants in Pakistan, He asserted that currently, it’s very difficult to get financial support for the project based on fossil fuels. However, the Asian Development Bank and other finance institutions are very keen to support projects focused on reducing carbon emissions. On the profitability of the projects, he mentioned that the export-oriented manufacturing of SAFs is more beneficial as there are a lot of incentives for export-oriented companies in Pakistan.
Reflecting on the potential advantages of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) for Pakistan, Mr Abdullah highlighted the following points:
Reducing Carbon Emissions: The aviation industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with conventional jet fuels being a major source of carbon dioxide. SAFs, derived from renewable resources such as biomass, waste oils, water, and algae, offer a viable alternative. These fuels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 65%, aligning with global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and meet national emission reduction targets. This will also provide Pakistan with valuable carbon credits for trading and earning foreign exchange.
Economic Advantages: Besides environmental benefits, investing in SAFs offers economic advantages. Traditional jet fuels are susceptible to price fluctuations due to volatile oil prices, geopolitical uncertainties, and the finite nature of fossil fuel resources. In contrast, SAFs provide a more stable and predictable fuel source. Airlines are investing in SAFs to appeal to environmentally conscious travellers and avoid carbon taxes. In the future, airlines using conventional fuels may face bans or penalties in regions like the European Union. Pakistan could lose revenue if such measures are implemented, investing in SAFs is crucial for future-proofing the aviation industry and positioning it as a responsible global player.
In addition to these highlighted points, I believe that we must be forward-looking to meeting Strategic Needs. Military operations are energy-intensive, with aviation playing a critical role in rapid deployment, strategic reconnaissance, and tactical support. Conventional jet fuels, mostly based on imported crude in Pakistan, pose risks of fuel scarcity and high costs during operations. Given India’s increasing influence, there could be embargoes on crude oil imports during conflicts. Additionally, reliance on foreign technologies can hinder military operations if embargoes are placed on importing catalysts or other technological equipment. Investing in SAFs ensures a diversified and sustainable energy supply for military aviation, mitigating the risks associated with dependence on traditional fossil fuels.
In conclusion, the imperative to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) is clear and multifaceted. SAFs offer a viable solution to reducing carbon emissions, a crucial step in combating climate change and aligning with global carbon neutrality goals. Economically, SAFs provide stability in a market plagued by volatile oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties, ensuring a more predictable fuel source for airlines. Strategically, SAFs secure a diversified and sustainable energy supply, critical for both commercial and military aviation in Pakistan. Furthermore, the development and adoption of SAFs will drive technological innovation, enhance local expertise, and create job opportunities. By committing to SAF initiatives, Pakistan can future-proof its aviation industry, meet national and international environmental standards, and position itself as a forward-thinking, responsible global player.n