Sustainable Aviation Fuel vs Refuse Derived Fuel: Can They Coexist?
The article “Sustainable Aviation Fuel vs Refuse Derived Fuel: Can They Coexist?” from Footprint Services discusses the implications of declining volumes of non-recyclable residual waste on the production of Energy from Waste (EfW) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the UK and Europe. As governments aim to significantly reduce residual waste, the article questions the UK government’s investment in SAF, which transforms residual waste into jet fuel, in light of these diminishing waste volumes. It contrasts the environmental benefits of using waste for SAF against its use in EfW processes. However, the article critically examines the notion of ‘guilt-free flying’, suggesting that promoting SAF could inadvertently encourage more air travel, which is significantly more polluting than other forms of transportation. The piece argues that a more effective strategy for reducing aviation emissions would be to curb aviation expansion directly, rather than supporting the development of SAF. It concludes that prioritising low-carbon transportation and reducing air travel are more sustainable approaches than relying on SAF as a solution to aviation’s environmental impact.