Sustainable Biofuels for Aviation and Maritime Decarbonization

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector is a major challenge of the 21st century. This sector is the largest source of emissions in the United States, responsible for one-third of all emissions. Meeting the goal of net-zero GHG emissions economy-wide in less than three decades (by 2050) requires a significant reduction in transportation GHG emissions. However, decarbonizing commercial aviation and maritime shipping is particularly difficult due to the inability to rely on electricity or hydrogen as alternative energy sources in the near or medium term.

Biofuels have the potential to play a crucial role in decarbonizing the aviation and shipping sectors and reducing their environmental impact. They are produced from renewable carbon sources and can directly replace traditional fossil fuels. Biofuels offer additional benefits such as reducing air pollution and improving energy security by diversifying fuel sources. However, there are challenges associated with using biofuels, such as finding sustainable feedstocks and potential competition with other sectors. Also, biofuel production depends on the feedstock type, which impacts sustainability. Therefore, it is vital to consider the environmental and social impacts of biofuel production and use and ensure sustainability criteria are met.

Biofuels derived from waste materials and non-food crops, such as catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) bio-oils, have the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create a circular economy. CFP bio-oils are renewable and have significantly lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. They capture carbon from the atmosphere and store it in bio-oil and bio-char. Ultimately, opportunities for biofuels lie in their potential to provide a sustainable and low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels for aviation and maritime decarbonization.