Rolls-Royce tests sustainable aircraft fuel

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) due to be tested has been developed using Alder Fuels’ GreenCrude technology. Flight testing on a Rolls-Royce Pearl engine will begin soon and the fuel’s impact on energy efficiency and carbon emissions will be assessed.

This is part of Rolls-Royce’s plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Frank Moesta, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce Business Aviation said: “The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel as a low-emission solution and its global commercial deployment are essential to the decarbonisation of medium to long-haul air travel.”

Alder GreenCrude is made using sustainable biomass like grass and agricultural waste. This can then be converted into aviation fuel using existing refinery infrastructure. Alder Fuels claims that its production process can generate over 80% less greenhouse gases than the production of fossil-based jet fuels.

The company’s President and Chief Executive, Bryan Sherbacow added: “Our hope is that this collaboration will not only mark an important milestone for the decarbonisation of aviation, but that it will send a strong global signal to the market that the future of sustainable flight is here and the time to transition is now.”