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Retrofitting Low Carbon Aviation Fuels Processes From Natural Gas to Renewables Energy‐Based Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Yasmin Abdelkarim
  • Tagwa Musa
  • Mohamed S. Challiwala
  • Tala Katbeh
  • Hanif Choudhury
  • Mahmoud El‐Halwagi
  • Nimir O. Elbashir

Abstract

The aviation sector's dependence on high‐energy‐density fuels presents a challenge for decarbonization. This study evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of retrofitting a gas‐to‐liquid (GTL) plant for low carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) production using solar electrification, an advanced reformer unit (CARGEN), and a hybrid configuration integrating both. The solar scenario achieved a 30% reduction in indirect emissions, lowering carbon intensity (CI) from 554.3 to 390.8 g CO2 eq/bbl, but remains economically unviable without carbon credits above $185/t. The CARGEN retrofit, which recycles CO2 into 2743 t/day multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), reverses net emissions and maintains strong profitability at moderate natural gas (NG) prices. The hybrid scenario achieved a net‐negative total CI of −138.9 g CO2 eq/bbl, surpassing Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) targets and emerging as the most effective decarbonization strategy. Techno‐economic analysis revealed that the LCAF production costs are highly sensitive to NG price fluctuations. At $3.36/MMBtu, the levelized cost of fuel (LCOF) ranges from $76.1/bbl (base case) to $257.8/bbl (hybrid). The hybrid scenario, despite higher capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX), remains the most viable long‐term strategy, ensuring economic resilience through stable CO2 reduction costs and diversified revenue streams. However, at $7/MMBtu, its payback period exceeds 12 years under the $15/kg MWCNT pricing assumption and the highest carbon credit of $185/t, highlighting the need for policy incentives to ensure commercial scalability. This study presents a scalable model for decarbonizing aviation fuel production, aligning with global sustainability goals by integrating renewable energy and advanced CO2 utilization technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Yasmin Abdelkarim & Tagwa Musa & Mohamed S. Challiwala & Tala Katbeh & Hanif Choudhury & Mahmoud El‐Halwagi & Nimir O. Elbashir, 2025. "Retrofitting Low Carbon Aviation Fuels Processes From Natural Gas to Renewables Energy‐Based Systems," Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 15(5), pages 601-614, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:greenh:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:601-614
    DOI: 10.1002/ghg.2340
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Kenneth Gillingham & James H. Stock, 2018. "The Cost of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 32(4), pages 53-72, Fall.
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