International cooperation for sustainable aviation biofuels

The Icarus consortium has identified critical technology steps that at present limit the wider deployment of three Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production routes, namely: biocrude from hydrothermal liquefaction to SAF, isobutanol from lignocellulosic biomass to SAF and synthetic Fischer-Tropsh from biomass gasification to SAF. These three value chains have been strategically selected by Icarus since they are close to market deployment and are needed to meet European and international SAF deployment targets.

Icarus aims to improve them with innovative solutions while at the same time addressing the whole value chain. Novel biomass production concepts such as sequential cropping and mix cropping are also addressed aiming to ensure increased sustainable biomass availability for SAF production. Along the complete value chain techno-economic, environmental, and social assessments will be carried out.

Icarus has a very strong international consortium of 20 reputed partners including 5 from 3 Mission Innovation Countries (MIC) Canada, India and Brazil, who will carry out innovative research with common targets and objectives with the European ones ensuring international collaboration in this critical area. Two more partners from a 4th MIC, USA are joining research activities as members of the External Executive Advisory Board (EEAB).

The Icarus results will significantly improve the cost effectiveness of SAF and therefore have global significance and reach and will facilitate scaling-up of these technologies and value chains enabling market deployment of SAF on a global scale. Guidelines, assessments, best practices and improved concepts will be used throughout the project to disseminate the results on global scale via targeted and effective dissemination and communication outreach activities to all stakeholders.