As one of the measures to reduce global warming in the international aviation sector, IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) have established a framework for setting targets, establishing and operating systems, and using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to expand their introduction. SAF is derived from non-fossil resources and produced through various conversion processes. It has the great advantage of reducing CO₂ emissions while maintaining normal flight operations without modifying aircraft fuel systems, engines, or infrastructure. Currently, there is a large gap in production volume relative to demand for carbon neutrality, production costs are higher than for jet fuel derived from fossil resources, and there are challenges in securing stable and efficient raw materials. In Japan, the construction of the supply chain from raw material procurement, manufacturing, and supply to airports, as well as the certification and verification of environmental impact reduction effects, are still underway. This review provides an overview of SAF, including background on the introduction of SAF, standards and certification systems, types of SAF raw materials, production processes, current development trends, and development of new raw materials.

There is a growing trend in aviation to replace conventional jet fuel with SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), and carbon neutrality in the sky is accelerating around the world. This review article describes our efforts to realize a carbon-recycling society and research and development of SAF in the world, and introduces our R-CFP (REVO-Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis) technology in particular. The R-CFP technology is expanding not only to waste cooking oil, but also to more abundant raw materials such as woody biomass and waste plastics. The R-CFP technology is also used to establish an advanced resource conversion process to produce low-carbon fuels such as SAF, as well as to stabilize the decomposition activity over a long term and reduce the cost of the process. High light oil (naphtha + SAF + gas oil) yield and high SAF selectivity can be obtained by using the R-CFP technology.

The international aviation sector, responsible for approximately 1.8% of global GHG emissions as of 2019, has agreed to reduce GHG emissions to net-zero by 2050. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a key solution, with an expected rise in global demand. Among recognized SAF production methods, the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis technology stands out for its versatility in using diverse feedstocks and its high GHG reduction potential.
For SAF production, from a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective, non-fossil derived materials like biomass and renewable hydrogen are essential. Unlike typical oil refineries, smaller, local consumption-oriented plants are more suitable for SAF production. Specialized FT synthesis technologies using microchannel reactor with highly active catalyst have been developed for such scales.
In Japan, demonstrations of integrated SAF production from woody biomass and commercial flights have been completed under NEDO projects, with ongoing considerations for social implementation.
To meet agreed targets, Japan must strategically secure high GHG reduction-effective SAF. Discussions are advancing on designing a social system that reflects the environmental value added by SAF.

Efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions as a countermeasure against the global warming have been increasing worldwide. The direct conversion of CO₂ into useful organic matters by microalgae has been discussed as one of the most potential countermeasures. Despite the advantages of microalgae production over traditional agricultural production, the industrial uses of microalgal feedstock are limited. To expand the commercial uses of microalgal feedstock and to establish a new industry based on this sustainable feedstock, “establishment of industrial scale production” and “development of diverse commercial applications” are quite essential. For the establishment of industrial scale production, it is necessary to develop and demonstrate proper cultivation methods rather than simply using conventional open raceway pond system. In Malaysia, Chitose Laboratory Corp. is demonstrating large-scale production of microalgae using FP-PBR funded by NEDO. CHITOSE also launched and is leading MATSURI to develop diverse commercial applications using microalgal feedstock in collaboration with both public and private partners.