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From CO2 emissions to jet fuel: Analysis of potential sustainable aviation fuel supply chains in Europe

Author

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  • ten Cate, Mats
  • Dienstknecht, Michael
  • Ursavas, Evrim
  • Zang, Guiyan
  • Zhu, Stuart X.

Abstract

Producing jet fuel from CO2 offers a promising pathway to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint, but designing effective supply chains remains a critical challenge. This study develops an optimisation model to identify economically optimal networks of CO2 point sources, conversion facilities, and airports in Northwest and Southeast Europe for 2030. The results highlight the pivotal role of high-concentration CO2 sources, which are abundant in Northwest Europe but scarce in the Southeast, driving jet fuel production costs between €1387 and €1434 per tonne. The analysis compares three supply chain structures—centralised and decentralised conversion of CO2 from point sources as well as the use of direct air capture technologies—and reveals how regional differences influence cost and feasibility. Our findings provide insights into the economic and logistical strategies needed to scale sustainable aviation fuel production.

Suggested Citation

  • ten Cate, Mats & Dienstknecht, Michael & Ursavas, Evrim & Zang, Guiyan & Zhu, Stuart X., 2025. "From CO2 emissions to jet fuel: Analysis of potential sustainable aviation fuel supply chains in Europe," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 396(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:396:y:2025:i:c:s030626192500861x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126131
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