The Dawn of 3rd Generation SAF

The evolution of SAF production has somewhat blurry lines but the world is only witnessing generations one and two SAF production so far.

Why? For several reasons, but this is being shaken up.

It is generally accepted that:

·        1st Generation SAF production includes pathways such as HEFA, Alcohol to Jet, and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).

·        2nd Generation SAF production includes pathways such as Fischer-Tropsch MSW and biomass (eg wood gasification).

·        3rd Generation SAF production includes pathways such as Direct Air Capture derived synthetic SAF (aka PtL/eFuel) at scales > 1m litres/year.

Using the evolution of illumination as inspiration, it is prudent to ask oneself if we're getting more heat than light. Maybe the limitation of technology dictates the rate of change, but equally, without the aspiration for doing things better, that technological development would never materialise.

Unlike the analogy of lighting, we have seen huge developments in discrete technologies over 50 years or more - the technology is there, it just needs re-defining in a comprehensive approach.

3rd Generation fully synthetic SAF is exactly what CirculAIRity is doing, and we are delighted to say that we are moving at pace.

So when it comes to SAF, instead of asking if the heat is worth the light, we encourage asking if the end-to-end environmental benefits are worthy of being deemed 'sustainable'.

If the answer is no, then it is time to opt for the next generation.