The Integrated System as a Potential Strategy for Biojet Fuel Production: A Review and Future Perspectives in the Brazilian Context

Abstract

The aviation industry is growing considerably mainly due to increased tourism and international trade. As an immediate consequence, fossil jet fuel consumption has also been increasing. Inevitably, this will lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which are the cause of global warming, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). In this context, alternative fuels obtained from biomass are an attractive option to be used in aircraft with a lower environmental impact than fossil jet fuel. Countries with a large territorial expansion can take advantage of their land availability for the cultivation of potential raw materials for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (or biojet fuels). This is the case of Brazil, which has 108 Mha for the cultivation of different types of biomasses. Three types of biomasses (sugar cane, jatropha, and eucalyptus) have been found with potential for biojet fuel production under different conversion routes, considering two key factors: abundance of raw material (without negative impact on feeding population) and advances in conversion technologies. Based on this study, it is concluded that Brazil has land availability for the cultivation of potential raw materials for the production of biojet fuel. Although large-scale conversion technologies remain a challenge, a multiple conversion system coupled with existing biorefineries may be a solution to offer more competitive prices against fossil jet fuel. Although the HEFA route is the process best known by Brazilian refineries, the supply of hydrogen for future biorefineries also remains a challenge. On the other hand, the jatropha fruit, used as raw material for the HEFA route, has the greatest potential for competitiveness compared to fossil jet fuel, since the coproducts produced in its process would generate added value, making this conversion technology more attractive. However, more investment is needed to promote research on these resources. In addition, the southeast of Brazil was identified as the most promising region for the future biojet fuel production from sugar cane, jatropha, and eucalyptus. Finally, all of the conversion technologies presented in this study, including the integrated system, generate less net CO2 emissions than conventional jet fuel, which would help achieve carbon-neutral targets.