PULSAR presents a brochure on Sustainable Aviation Fuels and their environmental impacts
What do we know about Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and which questions still require further research? PULSAR’s brochure brings together findings from European and national research projects to explore how SAF can help reduce aviation’s environmental impacts.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels play a central role in aviation’s transition towards lower environmental impacts. Understanding their potential requires looking beyond life-cycle carbon emissions to consider their effects on particles, contrails and local air quality.
The brochure provides an overview of current knowledge, distinguishing between findings supported by extensive data, emerging evidence that needs further validation, and areas where significant uncertainties remain. It also introduces key fuel terminology, explains aircraft compatibility considerations and highlights relevant research projects.
Among the topics explored are the potential reductions in soot particles and sulphur emissions associated with certain fuel compositions, alongside the need to better understand SAF’s effects under different operating conditions. The publication also examines open questions concerning contrail formation, long-term compatibility with aircraft systems, production scalability and the wider climate impacts of SAF.
By presenting both the opportunities and the remaining knowledge gaps, the brochure supports an informed discussion among policymakers, researchers, aviation stakeholders and the wider public.
This publication contributes to PULSAR’s mission to guide European aviation research priorities towards 2050 and beyond, while improving public understanding of aviation’s environmental challenges and potential solutions.
Download the brochure below to explore the findings and research questions in more detail.
