https://newatlas.com/aircraft/lignin-saf-cost/

Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a groundbreaking pretreatment method using

tetrahydrofuran (THF) that significantly increases the efficiency of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from waste wood biomass, including tougher woods with high lignin content. This innovation promises to make SAF cost-competitive with fossil-based jet fuel while reducing emissions by up to 80%. Unlike biofuel, this second-generation SAF doesn't use food crops but instead utilizes abundant waste products like wood residues and corn stover. The THF pretreatment boosts fuel yield, with potential production costs as low as $3.15 per gallon, significantly undercutting the current average price of SAF at $9.28 per gallon. While challenges remain in factoring in additional costs and market dynamics, this development represents a major leap forward in sustainable aviation, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels and significantly curbing carbon emissions. Associate Research Professor Charles Kai, leader of the Riverside team, highlights the importance of lignin utilization for creating economical and environmentally friendly fuels from biomass.

https://newatlas.com/marine/seabound-marine-carbon-capture/

Seabound, a London startup, in collaboration with global shipping company Lomar, has successfully conducted a pilot project aimed at decarbonizing marine emissions. Utilizing a prototype carbon capture system installed on a medium-sized container ship, they achieved a remarkable 78% capture rate for CO2 emissions, with potential for up to 95% efficiency in the future. The system, compactly designed to fit within shipping containers, employs quicklime to convert captured CO2 into limestone pebbles, which can be sold for profit. Despite the challenges posed by the bulkiness of the system relative to ship tonnage and the enormity of emissions from cargo vessels, Seabound's innovation offers a promising step towards mitigating the significant carbon footprint of the shipping industry. The success of this project underscores the potential for onboard carbon capture solutions to contribute to emissions reduction efforts in the transitional period ahead, demonstrating a feasible and economically viable pathway to decarbonization without waiting for alternative fuels or technologies.