Rolls-Royce, Alder Fuels Partner to Test Green Crude SAF

In the journey to commercial scalability, aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alder Fuels, a clean tech developer and green crude producer, to further test sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“The use of SAF as a low-emission solution and its global commercial deployment are essential to the decarbonization of medium to long-haul air travel. While we are also working on electrification, hybrid-electric and hydrogen technologies as long-term alternatives, rapid decarbonization is within reach through this critical pathway,” said Frank Moesta, Senior Vice President Strategy & Future Programs, Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce.

The SAF, which was produced based on Alder Fuels’ proprietary green crude technology, is being prepared for global rollout as a drop-in replacement to traditional petroleum-based jet fuel and will be a critical tool for the decarbonization of air travel. “Through our partnership with Alder Fuels, we are taking the next steps on our journey to net zero and are committed supporters of the UN Race to Zero goal of 10 percent SAF use across aviation by 2030,” said Moesta.

The testing will include flight test on a Rolls-Royce Pearl engine, said the multinational aerospace and defense company. Evaluations will include emissions criteria, energy efficiency and low-carbon credentials of the SAF produced from Alder Greencrude (AGC). Rolls-Royce is the world’s second-largest maker of aircraft engines, in addition to being a major player in the marine propulsion and energy sectors. Rolls-Royce was the world’s 16th largest defense contractor in 2018.

Alder Fuels uses sustainable biomass such as regenerative grasses, forest residues and agricultural waste products to create low-carbon AGC that can be converted into a drop-in SAF using existing bio and petroleum refinery infrastructure, reads the companies’ statement. The process, which has been developed in close partnership with the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, can achieve greenhouse gas reductions of over 80 percent compared to fossil-based jet fuel.

“At Alder, we are on a path to transform energy on the global stage and partnership is key to our vision. As a pioneer in both industrial technology and sustainable aviation, Rolls-Royce will play a leading role in decarbonizing the aerospace industry. Their name is synonymous with the best of engineering,” said Bryan Sherbacow, President and CEO, Alder Fuels.