NZ sustainable jet fuel report promises significant gains

Air New Zealand and LanzaJet have announced the preliminary findings from a study into using woody waste residues and low-value wood products in New Zealand to produce sustainable aviation fuel - a form of alternative jet fuel commonly referred to as SAF. The feasibility study was funded by Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government, and undertaken in partnership with Scion, Z Energy (Z), and WoodBeca. LanzaJet, one of the world’s leading SAF technology providers and sustainable fuel producers, has found that locally produced New Zealand SAF could meet up to a quarter of the aviation fuel needed for domestic flights each year, enhancing New Zealand’s local fuel security and resilience. The study found that using domestically grown woody waste for SAF has the potential to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to New Zealand’s economy per year and create hundreds of new regional jobs. Significant investment in infrastructure will be needed to achieve this. Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Kiri Hannifin, says the initial findings from the study are promising, however establishing and stimulating a new SAF market will be critical to ensure New Zealand doesn’t miss out on securing homegrown raw materials like woody waste for its own use and benefit. “These initial findings support that alternative jet fuel can be produced here in Aotearoa from our own locally-grown woody waste, which is very positive for a country that is heavily reliant on long-haul aviation and trade and currently imports 100% of its jet fuel,” says Hannifin. <br/>