Bern/Winterthur/Villigen - Tests conducted in Switzerland have confirmed that the use of sustainable aviation fuel significantly reduces CO2 emissions and particulate matter. The tests were carried out by experts from Zurich University of Applied Sciences, the Paul Scherrer Institute, and others.
(CONNECT) Measurements taken by the Swiss Air Force and the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) show that the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent. In addition, soot emissions are reduced by up to 35 per cent, depending on the engine configuration. Overall, using sustainable fuel improves air quality in and around airports, according to a statement.
The tests were conducted by environmental experts from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the Swiss Air Force, and the FOCA. Their measurements during the tests showed that the jet's fossil CO2 emissions reduced in line with the proportion of SAF in the fuel. Therefore, a fuel SAF content of 35 per cent equates to 35 per cent less CO2.
Soot emissions from the engines also fell by up to 35 per cent. The reduction was particularly significant when the engines were idling, because SAF does not contain any soot-forming hydrocarbons and is cleaner than conventional kerosene. SAF is also sulfur-free. Even a low admixture of this sustainable fuel reduces particulate matter pollution and improves air quality.
The SAF blend used meets all the technical requirements of conventional kerosene and is compatible with today's standard engines. The fuel is produced from organic waste such as used cooking oil and animal fats. The test measurements were carried out on the ground at the Payerne military airbase in the Swiss canton of Vaud in spring 2023 using a twin-engine Cessna business jet. ce/ja
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