Assessment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Methods: A Promethee II Approach

Abstract

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) present a feasible solution to decarbonize modern aviation. Unlike traditional jet fuels, SAFs are produced in a variety of ways, thereby choosing one of these processes as a complicated Multi-Criteria Decision challenge that involves conflicting priorities. This study evaluates SAF production processes using a multicriteria methodology, PROMETHEE-2. With SAF technology in its nascent stage and limited data, several stakeholders in the aviation sector were enlisted to assist in the collection of data and preferences. The suggested framework’s strength lies in its adaptability to suit the subjective opinions of diverse stakeholders, selection of ranking system, and robustness of outcomes. This research engaged stakeholders in a participative manner to rank 11 (A1 to A11) SAF production paths based on 24 parameters categorized into social, environmental, economic, and technological evaluation criteria. Industry professionals were given a form to rate SAF production methods according to a performance criterion. Data is validated using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy VIKOR and PROMETHEE-II to reduce professionals’ judgmental personal prejudice. Results indicate the optimal feedstock for SAF production is the direct transition process of CO2 to SAF (A11) in the gasification or Fischer-T synthesis group.