World transportation's environmental friendliness could be boosted significantly by a fourfold increase in biofuels utilization by the year 2070.
In the face of rising global CO2 emissions, particularly in the transport sector, a decisive change of course is necessary to combat climate change. The aviation sector, responsible for about 2.5% of global emissions and 3.8% of those in the EU, is no exception.
However, a glimmer of hope comes in the form of second-generation biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), produced by companies like Eni. These innovative fuels, derived from non-food feedstocks such as agricultural residues, waste oils, and cellulosic materials, offer an 80% reduction in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions compared to conventional diesel. This makes them a valuable tool for decarbonizing sectors where electrification is challenging or not yet feasible, such as long-haul heavy trucking and aviation.
Eni's biorefineries produce HVO biofuels that can reduce between 60 and 90% of CO2eq emissions along the entire value chain. These biofuels have already found their place in the market, with Eni signing agreements for their supply with logistics giants like ITA, DHL, and Saipem, as well as maritime companies like Azimut-Benetti Group and RINA.
The transport sector, which is expected to quadruple by 2070 and see a 60% increase in automobile ownership, will greatly benefit from the compatibility of these biofuels with existing internal combustion engines, enabling drop-in replacement or blends with fossil fuels without massive infrastructure overhauls.
In the aviation sector, the demand for passenger and freight aircraft is expected to be three times higher by 2070. Recognising the urgency of the situation, Eni took a significant step forward in May 2023, powering the first flight using SAF supplied by the company. This marks a significant milestone in the fight against global warming, as stated by the Paris Agreement.
The maritime sector, contributing 3% of global CO2 emissions, also stands to benefit from the use of these biofuels. However, the expansion of second-generation biofuels faces challenges such as higher production costs, supply limitations, and financing bottlenecks.
Regulatory frameworks in regions like Europe are increasingly mandating the use of second-generation biofuels and SAF to meet ambitious carbon neutrality targets by 2050. This supportive policy environment, combined with the growing market demand for these sustainable fuels, bodes well for their increased deployment in the coming years.
In conclusion, second-generation biofuels and SAF are essential to reducing transport sector emissions, particularly for long-distance and heavy-duty fleets where electrification is limited. They serve as both a near-term and long-term decarbonization solution in tandem with other technologies. The first flight powered by Eni's SAF is a testament to the potential of these innovative fuels in the fight against climate change.
- The international aviation sector, which contributes 2.5% of global emissions and 3.8% in the EU, is seeking ways to combat climate change, with Eni leading the charge by producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Second-generation biofuels, derived from non-food feedstocks, offer an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional diesel, making them valuable tools for decarbonizing sectors such as long-haul heavy trucking and aviation.
- Eni's biorefineries produce HVO biofuels that can reduce between 60 and 90% of CO2eq emissions along the entire value chain, finding their place in the market with agreements for their supply with logistics giants and maritime companies.
- As the transport sector, including aviation and maritime, anticipates significant growth in the coming decades, second-generation biofuels and SAF are essential to reducing emissions, particularly for long-distance and heavy-duty fleets, and serve as a near-term and long-term decarbonization solution in tandem with other technologies.
