In line with efforts to increase the distribution of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Shell has entered into an agreement with Red Rock Biofuels to purchase SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel fuel from its new biorefinery in Lakeview, Oregon.
Shell plans to distribute the SAF to Red Rock’s existing airline customers.
“SAF is crucial to aviation’s success in reaching net zero emissions by 2050, alongside new technologies and high-quality carbon credits,” said Anna Mascolo, President of Global Aviation at Shell. “But to enable SAF to fulfil its potential we need to be proactive and resolute in finding opportunities to increase availability of SAF today and tomorrow.”
She added that an increase in SAF is dependent on, “collaboration across the whole value chain.”
Red Rock’s refinery is scheduled for completion in early 2021. Once operational, it will be the world’s first commercial scale plant to utilise waste woody biomass from forests at risk of wildfire to create SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel.
“This has been one of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record,” said Terry Kulesa, CEO of Red Rock. “We have seen wildfires grow in intensity, acreage, and damage to public health and the environment. One of the many potential benefits of this plant is to reduce the waste woody biomass lying on the forest floor which may help to mitigate the spread of wildfires.”
Referencing the new partnership, Kulesa also commented: “With its operational capabilities and global supply chain expertise, Shell is ideally positioned to support us in helping make low-carbon SAF more widely available to airlines who are committed to reducing emissions and tackling climate change.”
In general, lifecycle carbon emissions from SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel are expected to be up to 80% lower than conventional jet fuel. The SAF will be supplied to airports through existing airport infrastructure and can be used blended by airlines without technical modification to their current fleet.
