Boeing & CSIRO's Collaboration to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions

Boeing and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) are joining forces to develop Australia's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry.

The collaboration addresses the complex challenge of decarbonising the aviation sector while positioning Australia as a global leader in SAF production.

The initiative has the potential to drastically reduce Scope 3 emissions across the aviation value chain, making a major contribution to the fight against climate change.

Impact on upstream Scope 3 emissions| Scope 3 Category  8

The development of a domestic SAF industry is set to significantly impact upstream Scope 3 emissions, particularly those related to purchased goods and services and capital goods.

Purchased Goods and Services | Scope 3 Category 1

SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, animal fats, and vegetable oils. Unlike conventional jet fuel derived from fossil fuels, SAF offers a far more sustainable solution by reducing carbon emissions over its life cycle. 

Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF is produced from renewable sources and significantly reduces carbon emissions over the fuel's life cycle, making it a more sustainable alternative for powering aircraft. The shift towards SAF production is expected to reduce raw material extraction and processing emissions, marking a key step toward decarbonising the aviation industry.

Capital Goods | Scope 3 Category 2

Significant investments in new infrastructure will be necessary to develop a domestic SAF industry. 

Maria Fernandez, President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, notes, "Significant investment in new biorefineries will be the key to long-term success." 

While the initial construction of biorefineries may increase emissions associated with capital goods, these investments will ultimately lead to long-term emission reductions and a more sustainable fuel supply chain.

Transformative effects on downstream Scope 3 Emissions | Scope 3 Category 9

The widespread adoption of SAF is expected to profoundly affect downstream Scope 3 emissions, especially in the areas of aircraft operations and end-of-life treatment.

Use of sold products

One of the most promising aspects of SAF is its potential to significantly reduce emissions from aircraft operations.

Maria explains, "Around 80% of aircraft carbon emissions come from flights over 1,500 kilometres where alternatives are impractical." 

SAF can help mitigate these emissions without major changes to existing aircraft technology, making it a highly scalable solution for decarbonising long-haul flights.

Challenges and opportunities in SAF development

While the prospects of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia are promising, the road to success has challenges.

A major challenge in developing a domestic SAF industry is the competition for feedstock. Ensuring a steady and sustainable supply of feedstocks is crucial for the long-term viability of SAF production in Australia.

Infrastructure and policy support

Developing new infrastructure will be critical for meeting future demand for SAF. "Leveraging existing infrastructure can help bridge the gap," Maria notes, but new facilities will still be necessary to scale up production.

Moreover, stable policy and government-backed procurement agreements are essential for providing the certainty needed to attract investments and foster industry growth. "Stable policy and government-backed procurement agreements are needed to reassure investors and secure demand," says Maria.

Technological advancements

While the production of SAF via the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process is well-established, other production methods, such as alcohol-to-jet and gasification, are still in the development stage.

As Maria highlights, "Other processes like alcohol-to-jet and gasification require further development to scale efficiently."

Continued technological innovation will be key to meeting Australia's ambitious SAF production goals.

A bright future for SAF in Australia

Despite these challenges, Australia's abundant resources position the country well to become a global leader in SAF production.

According to a report, domestic feedstocks could meet up to 60% of local jet fuel demand by 2025, with the potential to rise to 90% by 2050 as hydrogen integration improves. 

Kirsten Rose, CSIRO's Deputy Chief Executive, highlights, "Achieving cost-competitive SAF solutions requires tailored policy, strategic investment and industry collaboration."

The collaboration between Boeing and CSIRO offers a clear pathway toward a sustainable and low-emissions aviation sector.

While overcoming technical, economic and policy challenges will require concerted effort, the potential benefits for the environment and the Australian economy are immense.

Australia can play a pivotal role in the global transition to sustainable aviation fuels by leveraging the country's natural resources and fostering strategic industry partnerships.

Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Scope 3 Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE and Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. Subscribe to the Scope 3 Magazine newsletter.

Scope 3 Magazine is a BizClik brand