The first draft of a preliminary national standard for a "green" component of aviation fuel has been developed.

Experts from Gubkin University participated in the development of a preliminary national standard, "Jet Fuels. Synthetic Components. Specifications," which will pave the way for the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Russia. This was announced by Marina Lobashova, Associate Professor of the Department of Oil Refining Technology at Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University).

As part of global efforts to reduce aviation emissions, the international CORSIA program is in effect, Lobashova noted. Under this program, starting in 2027, airlines will be required to offset carbon dioxide emissions from their international flights by purchasing carbon credits or using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

There are 11 production methods for such fuel that meet international quality and safety standards. The most widely used is the HEFA-SPK technology, based on the processing of fats and oils. It is considered the most recycled and cost-effective option, but its production requires raw materials such as used edible oils or animal fats, which are limited in supply.

"In Russia, it's worth starting with the industrial implementation of SAF production technology from waste oils. This is a quick win, as it has the technological capabilities and a more sophisticated certification system. And then we can finish with the processing of wood waste," said Marina Lobashova.

Raw materials such as waste from the wood processing and pulp and paper industries are more readily available, but these technologies require more financial investment at the outset.

The associate professor noted that Russia has significant potential for raw materials for SAF production, including both used oils and industrial fats, as well as cellulosic biomass. However, establishing industrial production of "green" jet fuel by 2027 is hampered by the lack of a certification system and technological base.

Marina Lobashova believes that developing the necessary potential by 2027 is difficult, so she focused on the 2030 outlook. According to estimates, if Russia builds the appropriate plants, by that time the country will be able to produce 150,000 tons of fuel and an additional 500,000 tons of LCAF—a lower-carbon aviation fuel that is cheaper than SAF.

"It's best to start with specific pilot projects—plant construction, agreements with an airline to introduce the first fuel samples. In parallel, work should be done on developing a national standard," Lobashova added.

In addition to the technical gap and the lack of national standards for sustainable aviation fuel, the expert also cited the need for recognition of Russian carbon units in the CORSIA system as a barrier to its implementation. Work to incorporate SAF provisions into the new version of GOST is already underway; the first draft of the preliminary national standard for the SAF component has been prepared.