Is sewage the future of green aviation?
Summary
This Shortwave episode explores sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as alternatives to fossil-based jet fuel, sparked by recent geopolitical fuel price shocks. Hosts Regina Barber and Emily Kwong examine SAF sources like cooking oil, biomass, and synthetic carbon capture, highlighting the significant economic and supply chain hurdles to scaling production. The discussion features experts on the chemistry and costs of SAF, alongside case studies of initiatives in Washington and Pennsylvania aiming to boost local fuel resilience and decarbonize the aviation industry.
Topics discussed
Intro: Virgin Atlantic's sustainable fuel flight and rising jet fuel costs
Sponsor messages from Washington Wise and NetSuite
The chemistry of SAF: HEFA process and cooking oil limitations
Alternative SAF sources: Alcohol-to-jet and land use concerns
Synthetic SAF from thin air and the chicken-and-egg supply problem
Cascadia Sustainable Accelerator and sewage-to-fuel innovations
Political will: Federal tax credits and the case for driving instead
Pittsburgh Airport's microgrid and local SAF production plans
Outro, credits, and sponsor messages from Mint Mobile and Leaf Filter
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