Prospects for the production of sustainable aviation biofuel by bioethanol conversion in Ukraine

Abstract

Prospects for the production of sustainable aviation biofuels by bioethanol conversion in Ukraine are analysed. Importance of the issue is associated with the urgent need to decarbonize the global transport sector, in particular aviation. Several directions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in aviation are distinguished. Of them, the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are an alternative to traditional jet fuel, can make the greatest contribution. Typically, the concept of SAF includes biofuels as well as synthetic fuels obtained by converting electricity into liquid. Today, there are eight technologies for the production of sustainable aviation biofuels certified by ASTM D7566 standard. The maximum permissible share in the mixture with traditional jet fuel is in the range of 10-50% for different types of biofuels. In addition, ASTM D1655 standard certified the combined hydrotreating of ethers and fatty acids as well as Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons with fossil petroleum products in the production of aviation fuels; the share of the biofuels can be up to 5% in the mixture in both cases. HEFA-SPK aviation biofuel, which is obtained from hydrotreated ethers and fatty acids, is currently the only one whose production technology has fully reached the commercial level. Besides, first commercial plants for the production of ATJ-SPK biofuel by converting isobutanol and bioethanol are also emerging in the world. It is advisable to consider the possibilities of producing these aviation biofuels in Ukraine. The production of ATJ-SPK biofuel in Ukraine can be organized by building a new plant and purchasing bioethanol as feedstock or by supplementing an existing bioethanol plant with the necessary new equipment. For Ukraine’s conditions, the implementation of a pilot project at one of the new modern bioethanol plants may be suggested. Such enterprises are characterized by high energy efficiency, which will minimize energy consumption for the production of SAF. To determine the optimal options for the production of sustainable aviation biofuels, it is necessary to conduct a feasibility study and perform a life cycle assessment of these biofuels.