THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL

With abundant oil palm, Nigeria holds immense potential in sustainable aviation fuel, contends Sonny Iroche

The aviation industry plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development, connecting the country to the global market and facilitating trade and tourism. However, the industry’s heavy reliance on fossil fuel has raised concerns about its environmental impact and long-term sustainability. In recent years, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a potential game changer, offering a greener alternative to traditional jet A1 fuel. It is important at this very challenging period of Nigeria’s economic quagmire for both the public and private sectors to collaborate in the exploration of the future of SAF and its potential implications for Nigeria’s aviation industry and future economic development, particularly in light of the country’s vast availability of oil palm trees and the oil palm belt.

Oil palm grows in about 28 states in Nigeria. The states of Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa are the states with the highest number of oil palm

The future of sustainable aviation fuel holds great promise for Nigeria’s aviation industry and future economic development. With the country’s abundant oil palm trees and the presence of the oil palm belt, Nigeria has the potential to become a major producer of SAF. By shifting towards SAF, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on fossil oil, mitigate environmental concerns, and position itself as a leader in sustainable aviation.

Additionally, some of the short, medium and long term benefits of SAF to the overall economy and climate change of Nigeria include but are not limited to the following;

First, environmental sustainability: The aviation industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. By transitioning to SAF, Nigeria’s aviation industry can significantly reduce its carbon pollution footprint. SAF has lower levels of pollutants and particulate matter emissions compared to conventional jet fuels. This can lead to improved air quality around airports and in surrounding communities, reducing the negative health impacts associated with air pollution.

SAF is produced from renewable sources such as oil palm, which has a lower carbon intensity compared to fossil oil. This shift would align with global efforts to combat climate change and position Nigeria as an environmentally responsible nation.

Secondly, there are considerable economic opportunities:

Nigeria’s vast availability of oil palm trees and plantations presents a unique opportunity for the country to become a major producer of SAF. By investing in the production and refining of SAF, Nigeria can create new economic opportunities, generate employment, and attract foreign investment. The demand for SAF is expected to increase in the coming years, providing a lucrative market for Nigeria to tap into.

Thirdly, energy security: Nigeria’s heavy dependence on fossil oil for its aviation industry poses risks to its energy security. Fluctuating oil prices and geopolitical tensions, as recently witnessed as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Israeli- Palestinian conflict in the Middle East can disrupt the supply chain and impact the industry’s operations. By diversifying its energy sources and embracing SAF, Nigeria can enhance its energy security and reduce its vulnerability to external factors.

Fifthly, there is a case for technological innovation: The adoption of SAF in Nigeria can drive technological innovation and research in the renewable energy sector. This can lead to advancements in biofuel production techniques, feedstock cultivation, and conversion technologies, which can have broader applications beyond aviation.

Lastly, there would be opportunities for international collaboration:

The use of SAF aligns with global sustainability goals and can enhance Nigeria’s international reputation as a responsible and environmentally conscious nation. It can facilitate collaboration with other countries, organizations, and airlines that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable aviation.

Though Nigeria would not be blazing a new trail in the use of SAF, as there are already a few examples of countries and airline carriers that have resorted and converted to the use of SAL. But it would one of the pioneering countries to embrace the technology.

Just on Friday, October 27, 2023, the Reuters news agency reported that the Indonesian airline launched its first use of palm oil- blended jet fuel to operate a flight. The prospect of the use of this cleaner source of aviation fuel is quite a welcome development in the industry.

Other airlines and countries that use SAL are: One, the United Airlines. In 2020, United Airlines became the first U.S. carrier to make a long-term commitment to SAF. The airline signed a deal to purchase one billion gallons of SAF over the next decade. This demonstrates the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel and the potential for Nigeria to tap into this market.

The Success of Brazil: Brazil has successfully implemented a biofuel program, utilizing its vast sugarcane resources to produce ethanol for aviation. This has not only reduced the country’s carbon emissions but also created a thriving biofuel industry. Nigeria can draw inspiration from Brazil’s success and leverage its oil palm resources to replicate a similar model.

The future of sustainable aviation fuel holds immense potential for Nigeria and indeed Africa’s aviation industry. By capitalizing on the country’s abundant oil palm trees and the oil palm belt, Nigeria can become a major producer and exporter of SAF, reducing its dependence on fossil oil and mitigating environmental concerns. The shift towards SAF would not only position Nigeria as an environmentally responsible nation but also create new economic opportunities and enhance energy security. It is imperative for Nigeria to embrace this game-changing technology and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

This initiative should not be left alone to the federal government of Nigeria, but to the research institutes like NIFOR, University of Petroleum Resources, other universities, and the private sector.

 Iroche is 2022/2024 Senior Academic Fellow,

African Studies Centre,

University of Oxford