Taking flight: enabling lower carbon aviation fuels certification for our clients

Preparing fuel producers for the future

According to the International Energy Agency, demand for air transport is expected to grow rapidly through 2030.

Despite new aircraft becoming more efficient, aviation remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise.

Planned production capacity for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will provide only a small fraction of jet fuel needed to reach consumer demand by 2027, so how do we practically tackle the shortfall in sustainable fuel? Low carbon aviation fuel certification can bridge the gap, allowing the aviation sector to meet international emissions standards and sustainability targets while keeping up with consumer demand.

Destination: SAF via LCAF

While both sustainable aviation fuel and lower carbon aviation fuel contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, there are distinct differences. Lower carbon aviation fuel lowers emissions by around 10% and SAF offers around an 80% reduction in emissions on average. But while sustainable aviation fuel may seem like the more attractive option, it is three to five times more expensive than conventional aviation fuel and relies on a ready supply of sustainable bio-feedstock, making it currently difficult for the industry to adopt at scale.

As the cost-effective and quicker-to-market option, lower carbon aviation fuel provides the bridge to a more sustainable aviation industry, until sustainable aviation fuel is made readily available and becomes more economical to produce.

"However, to be classified as lower carbon aviation fuel, the fuel must first meet requirements of the globally recognised International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the ISO 14067 standard.

Preparing for LCAF certification

Following the requirements of ICAO’s CORSIA and ISO 14067, Wood’s Carbon Advisory team carried out a detailed life cycle assessment to analyse the GHG emissions associated with our client’s aviation fuel manufacturing, including upstream oil production, transport and refining.

Ultimately, this enabled our client to position itself as a leading producer of low carbon aviation fuel and seek international production certification.  This was made possible through establishing a baseline of current emissions and providing an assessment of future carbon intensity values.

Using digital tools for data collection and storage

Our digital and decarbonisation consultants used a systematic data collection framework and custom templates to facilitate a seamless transfer of elementary data into a bespoke modelling tool. This model was then populated with detailed design data and backfilled with operational data.

This flexible modelling approach allowed users to assess an unlimited number of operating cases, switch easily between allocation methods and process different types of crude feedstock.

The lower carbon aviation fuel refinery model created for this client alone referenced over 25,000 unique data points per case.

Using this data, Wood assessed the best-in-class life cycle assessment software to guide our client in selecting the right solution for their business, providing them with the uninterrupted ability to map the carbon intensities at all stages of the project lifecycle.

Wood’s in-house life cycle assessment model was then transferred into the client’s selected life cycle assessment software to support analysis of future scenarios, including electrification initiatives, off gas recovery and carbon capture and storage plans. With this, our Carbon Advisory consultants compiled 39 life cycle assessments, 13 of which were baseline operating cases and 26 of which were future cases implemented chronologically over 20, 30 and 50-year timelines.

Through introductory life cycle assessment training, user guidance and instructional videos developed by Wood, the client’s team was trained on both the bespoke life cycle assessment model and additional models built from commercial life cycle assessment software.

What are the benefits of LCAF certification?

Ultimately, this process enables our customers to become recognised as leading producers of lower carbon aviation fuel, supporting progress towards decarbonisation targets and achieving the coveted certification.