SAFARI

The SAFARI project is at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) innovation, developing a groundbreaking integrated process that combines heterogeneous and electrocatalysis to transform aqueous bio-alcohols into long-chain alcohols. These alcohols serve as key precursors for SAF, providing a low-energy, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional aviation fuels.

SAFARI introduces a radically new route to convert aqueous bio-alcohols into C8-C16 alcohol SAF precursors using an electrified, continuous-flow reactor. This novel process eliminates energy-intensive distillation, avoiding azeotropic bio-ethanol/water separation. Operating at low temperatures (< 60°C) in an aqueous environment significantly reduces overall energy consumption while delivering high-purity, branched C8-C16 alcohols that are easily separated and upgraded into SAF. The resulting fuel burns cleaner, free from sulfur, nitrogen, and aromatic compounds, leading to lower emissions, reduced soot formation, and extended engine lifetimes.

Compared to traditional ethanol-to-SAF conversion methods, which demand high-purity ethanol and energy-intensive high temperature processing, SAFARI significantly reduces production costs by minimizing distillation and eliminating the need for separate hydrogen production facilities.

With the ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative mandating a minimum SAF content of 2% by 2025, increasing to 63% by 2050, the need for cost-efficient, scalable SAF solutions has never been greater. SAFARI stands out as a competitive alternative to existing SAF production methods, including HEFA (lipid conversion), FT-SPK (lignocellulose conversion), and traditional Alcohol-To-Jet (ATJ) processes. In contrast, SAFARI’s low-temperature electrified ATJ process is more energy-efficient and cost-effective, giving it a competitive edge in the SAF market. This is particularly relevant for logistic hubs like Flanders/Belgium, which consumes approximately 1.5 million tonnes of jet fuel annually.

SAFARI unites leading experts across multiple disciplines to bring this innovative technology to life. Profs. Kuhn & Leblebici develop electro-flow reactors for bio-ethanol conversion and process integration. Profs. Cazin & Grimaud work on advanced electrocatalysts to optimize alcohol activation and reactor performance. Prof. Saeys & Dr. Ordomsky optimize the thermo-catalytic conversion and hydrodeoxygenation for SAF production.

With the potential to collaborate with fuel refineries and bio-ethanol producers, SAFARI represents a key step towards cleaner, more sustainable aviation fuel solutions. As the world moves towards decarbonized air travel, SAFARI offers a game-changing pathway to cost-efficient, low-emission SAF production.