Development of Production Technologies for Biojet Fuels

From the background of aviation demand forecasts that are expected to grow in the days to come for the long term, measures to curb global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions have become a pressing issue for the aviation industry, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).In this context, it is regarded as one of the indispensable measures to solve these problems by introducing SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
This project will develop SAF production technologies such as HEFA technologies, gasification/FT synthesis technologies, ATJ technologies, microalgae cultivation technologies, and other technologies deemed important from the perspective of social implementation. It will also establish a production process for further reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide in the aviation sector through the promotion of the use of practical application of SAF production technologies.

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  Imaged diagram representing a supply chain of SAF
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  Imaged diagram of microalgae carbon recycling technology flow

(1) Pilot-scale Test on Integrated Production Process

In this project, it is essential to realize an industrialized system for an integrated production process with economic efficiency in addition to ensuring environmental friendliness in terms of fossil energy balance and greenhouse gas reduction by combining the elemental technologies which have been cultivated so far. To establish these basic technologies, verification tests will be conducted in the pilot phase.

(2) Establishment of Supply Chain Model through Demonstration

NEDO will develop demonstration technologies (including partial demonstrations) for each process and accelerate the establishment of the supply chain, including the utilization of biofuels and other byproducts produced along with SAF production, to contribute to the realization of reliable commercialization around 2030. The development of the demonstration technologies aims to further expand SAF production technologies that can technically realize the future production scale envisioned and to build the supply chain up to airport delivery for SAF production and supply on a scale that allows for future commercialization.

(3) Development of Basic Technologies for Microalgae Utilization

NEDO will establish carbon recycling technologies combined with by-product production according to the need for commercialization as well as demonstrate mass culture technologies, which are large enough to consider future commercialization of producing the neat SAF (complied with ASTM D7566 standard), and selecting microalgae species, breeding, and various cultivation methods with a focus on carbon dioxide absorption.

(4) Technology Trend Survey

In order to contribute to the early formation of a market and a supply chain for biofuels in the future, NEDO will survey the latest technological developments in Japan and abroad, as well as industrial trends for the formation of the future market.

YANO Takahisa, Director

Outcome Target

By supporting and promoting the formation of the SAF market through this project, NEDO will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions caused using jet fuel by achieving the practical application of bio-jet fuel production technologies around 2030.

Output Target

NEDO will develop SAF production technologies such as gasification and FT synthesis technologies, microalgae cultivation technologies, ATJ technologies and so forth, and establish a production process that is expected to be commercially viable by around 2030.