Fuels from genetically modified plants: Is sustainable flying possible?

Fuels from genetically modified plants could enable sustainable flying by reducing CO2 emissions. Biomass and catalysts are expected to play a crucial role in this.

Flying has revolutionized our lives. Within just a few hours, airplanes connect countries and continents, promote the exchange of ideas and strengthen personal and business relationships. But this comfort comes at a price.

Because air traffic causes high CO2 emissions. By 2050 they could increase by up to 300 percent. To address this problem, researchers are working on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). These are intended to replace fossil fuels and reduce environmental pollution.

Biomass plays a central role here. This consists of plant residues such as wood or grasses. Lignin, a component of plants that is rich in aromatic compounds, appears particularly interesting. These are important to ensure the technical properties of fuels – such as density or sealing behavior.

Sustainable flying using fuels from genetically modified plants?

Researchers can already chemically convert lignin to produce fuel. Undesirable oxygen compounds are removed through so-called catalytic processes.

However, this process requires further research as the chemical and energetic properties of lignin vary greatly depending on its origin. Genetically modified plants with “designer lignin” could simplify the process in the future.

Despite promising approaches, SAFs face major challenges. On the one hand, scaling is a problem: the annual demand for aviation fuel is gigantic and biomass is not uniformly available everywhere. On the other hand, the production costs of SAFs are currently higher than those of fossil alternatives.

Advances in catalysts – the chemical helpers in production – could provide relief. More effective and cheaper catalysts are even expected to bring about a breakthrough.

Every country needs an individual solution

Geographical differences also play a role. Because a type of biomass that is abundant in one country could be missing in another. Therefore, local solutions must be developed. The development of sustainable aviation fuels therefore requires sustainable cooperation between research and industry.

Because only together can innovative technologies and scalable solutions be found. Alternative approaches such as electric short-haul flights or direct CO₂ capture from the air could also play a role.

However, sustainable flying is not an easy task. However, it is seen as a necessary step in making the future of travel climate-friendly. And research shows that greener aviation is theoretically possible.

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