Advancing Research for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production

Key Takeaways

• Microinnova Engineering GmbH delivered a state-of-the-art continuous pilot plant for SAF research to the Technical University of Leoben.
• The turnkey facility allows researchers to simulate, compare, and scale various SAF production processes.
• SAF has the potential to reduce aviation lifecycle carbon emissions by over 80%, making it a critical component for the 2050 climate-neutral aviation goals.

What is the Microinnova SAF Pilot Plant?

The Microinnova SAF pilot plant is a continuous flow processing facility located at the Technical University of Leoben. Spanning an entire university building, this Europe-wide unique research infrastructure operates at the Chair of Process Engineering for Industrial Environmental Protection. It is specifically built for the research, process development, and optimization of low-carbon aviation fuels.

How Does Continuous Flow Technology Improve SAF Production?

• Continuous flow processing enables precise control over the complex reactions required for sustainable hydrocarbon production.
• The continuous processes ensure superior heat and mass transfer, which leads to the development of high-quality products.
• The facility provides exceptional flexibility, allowing researchers to realistically simulate different SAF production methods and compare them based on efficiency, costs, and scalability.

Why is SAF Critical for Aviation Decarbonization?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a synthetically produced kerosene that shares the chemical properties of fossil kerosene. This allows it to be used directly in existing aircraft and infrastructure. Global aviation currently accounts for around two percent of global CO₂ emissions, and the European Commission’s “ReFuelEU Aviation” initiative aims to make civil aviation climate-neutral by 2050.

SAF is currently the most viable solution to decarbonize long-haul flights, capable of reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by over 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, current SAF production process chains are not yet fully mature; they face low efficiencies, limited production volumes, and significantly higher costs than fossil kerosene. The new research infrastructure at the Technical University of Leoben was established to solve these exact challenges.

Expert Perspectives on the SAF Pilot Plant

• Dr. Dirk Kirschneck, Strategic Director at Microinnova: “Research, Development and Realization of SAF production quickly and efficiently is the defining challenge for the future of green aviation. We are proud to support these important activities towards an economically viable pathway to meet global decarbonization targets.”
• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Markus Lehner, Head of the Chair of Process Engineering for Industrial Environmental Protection, noted that the facility is an essential milestone in researching sustainable, climate-neutral, and affordable mobility in aviation, positioning Austria and Styria as leading innovation centers in civil aviation.

Technical Specifications of the Pilot Plant

Catch the full ORF News segment here to see the plant in action: https://on.orf.at/video/14319430/16073022/forschung-an-alternativen-zum-kerosin-nimmt-fahrt-auf and an in-depth article can be found here: https://science.orf.at/stories/3235122/