A Review of Challenges and Prospects of Using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and Hydrogen in Turbine Engines

The aviation industry contributes approximately ۲–۳% of global CO₂ emissions and faces increasing pressure to achieve carbon-neutral growth by ۲۰۵۰. To meet these goals, alternative fuels have become essential. This review evaluates two prominent options for turbine engines: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and hydrogen. SAF, produced from bio-based or synthetic feedstocks, can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to ۸۰% and is fully compatible with existing engines and airport infrastructure, making it a practical short-term solution. However, high production costs and limited scalability restrict widespread deployment. Hydrogen, by contrast, eliminates CO₂ emissions entirely and offers high gravimetric energy density, but faces major challenges including low volumetric energy density, cryogenic storage, infrastructure demands, and NOx emissions during combustion. Comparative analysis indicates that SAF provides a feasible pathway in the near to mid-term, while hydrogen represents a long-term transformative option, expected to enter commercial aviation after ۲۰۳۵. For Iran, abundant natural gas and agricultural residues provide opportunities for hydrogen and SAF production, but challenges such as investment limitations and sanctions persist. A dual strategy, rapid SAF adoption with progressive hydrogen development, can support both environmental and economic sustainability in Iran’s aviation sector.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) ، Hydrogen ، Aviation Decarbonization ، Turbine Engines ، Iran