Global standards-development organization ASTM International has approved another pathway to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Catalytic hydrothermolysis jet fuel (CHJ) is the sixth approved pathway for the production of SAF, and the synthetic kerosene represents the newest annex to the sustainable fuel specification D7566.
Acceptable feedstocks include any lipid, triglyceride, or fatty acid-based renewable oil, including low-cost sources such as brown grease.
CHJ was developed with support from the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), a coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants, and U.S. government agencies that are leading the development and deployment of alternative jet fuels for commercial aviation.
The standard provides that CHJ fuel, which was developed by Applied Research Associates (ARA), may be blended at up to 50 percent by volume with conventional jet fuel.