Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) — the aviation-grade extension of HVO
A further product of the same hydro-processing technology is SAF, often referred to as HEFA-SPK (Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene). SAF is manufactured from the same UCO, animal-fat or vegetable-oil feedstocks, but the process is tuned to yield a paraffinic kerosene that meets the aviation-fuel specification ASTM D7566 (Annex A2).
• Typical blend limit: up to 50 % with conventional Jet A-1 under current ASTM D7566, with trials under way for 100 % “drop-in” use.
• Net GHG reduction: 60–90 % versus fossil jet fuel, depending on feedstock and pathway.
• Cold-flow properties: freeze-point ≤ –40 °C, ensuring global flight operability.
• Drop-in compatibility: no changes required to existing aircraft engines or airport fuel infrastructure.
| Basis | ASTM D7566 Annex A2 (incorporated in ICAO CORSIA list, accepted by the EU) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density (15 °C) | 730–770 kg/m³ |
| 2 | Kinematic viscosity (–20 °C) | ≥ 8.0 mm²/s |
| 3 | Flash point | ≥ 38 °C |
| 4 | Freeze point | ≤ –40 °C |
| 5 | Aromatics | ≤ 15 % v/v (typical HEFA-SPK ≈ 0 %) |
| 6 | Sulfur | ≤ 0.3 mg/kg |
| 7 | Net heat of combustion | ≥ 42.8 MJ/kg |
| 8 | Blend limit | max. 50 % v/v with Jet A-1 per ASTM D7566 table limits. |