World First: Scientists Make High-Grade Jet Fuel from Wood Waste

The next generation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAFs) could be made from wood and grass—and not just waste cooking oil and palm oil – with South Korean scientists revealing the first example of forest-based SAFs suitable for long-range aviation.

Led by Ha Jeong-Myeong and Yu Chun-Jae, both from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Clean Energy Research Center, the new SAFs have properties similar to petroleum-based jet fuel – and can run for up to 100 hours, even in the presence of impurities.

“SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional petroleum-based aviation fuel,” Ha said. “This technology expands the resource base for aviation fuel production by enabling the use of non-food resources like wood and grass, and thus moving beyond the current reliance on editable materials.”