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OCR for page 45
Frequently Asked Questions 45
issue is of importance for several reasons. First, deforestation is one of the world's largest
sources of carbon emissions and has many other social, environmental, and economic impacts.
In addition, overturning topsoil for planting, especially the first time once the land is defor-
ested, also releases significant carbon. Land-use implications are difficult to prove, disprove,
or quantify. Despite this uncertainty, correctly gauging the impact of alternative jet fuels on
land use will be critical to their long-term acceptance.
Q: How may the production of alternative jet fuel affect water resources?
A: Water use is a topic that frequently comes up during the discussion of any kind of alternative
fuels, including alternative jet fuel. Depending on the specific way in which feedstocks are
recovered and processed, water consumption for the production of alternative jet fuels may
be comparable to or larger than that required for conventional jet fuel production. The water
impact of alternative jet fuels should be evaluated by considering the feedstocks and conver-
sion technologies separately. There are two components pertaining to feedstocks. In terms of
water consumption, traditional feedstock crops, such as soybeans, require large amounts of
freshwater. In contrast, new bio-derived crops, such as switchgrass, do not need irrigation,
and algae can grow in brackish water or seawater. In terms of water pollution, fossil feedstocks
and traditional feedstock crops contribute runoff from fertilizers and pesticides.
Regarding conversion technologies, the need for cooling drives the water impact. The impact
varies widely, from extensive to minimal, with the type of cooling and conversion technol-
ogy. Fischer-Tropsch requires substantial cooling and is generally more water intensive than
hydroprocessing per unit of energy produced.
It should be noted that the United States has extensive laws and regulations governing water,
as indicated in Section 3.5.1. Compliance with these laws and regulations should be considered
sufficient to meet any concerns about impacts to water resources.
Q: Are there sustainability criteria for alternative jet fuels?
A: Production of alternative jet fuels may affect the environment in several ways, as noted pre-
viously. In the United States, there are no mandatory sustainability criteria for alternative
fuels. The United States has a full suite of detailed environmental laws and regulations and a
legal system to enforce compliance with those laws and regulations--demonstration of com-
pliance with the law should be considered sufficient to establish sustainability according to
existing laws and regulations.
There are efforts to develop sustainability standards applicable to development of alternative
fuels in general (not only alternative jet fuel). One example is the Roundtable on Sustainable
Biofuels (http://rsb.epfl.ch/). These standards aim to include a number of factors, including food
security, land and water rights, and fair labor laws. The development of these standards has been
difficult because of the complexities and sensitivities around the main considerations that need
to be considered. Details for the application of these standards are also still being discussed.
4.2 What Are Some Potential Concerns Regarding
Production of Alternative Jet Fuel?
Q: Who can I turn to for help in finding out more about particular production methods or
feedstocks?
A: Contact CAAFI through their website (www.caafi.org) or the ATA at info@airlines.org. These
organizations are knowledgeable in the application of feedstocks and processes for alternative
jet fuels. Renewable fuel trade associations (e.g., Advance Biofuels Association, Low Carbon
OCR for page 46
46 Guidelines for Integrating Alternative Jet Fuel into the Airport Setting
Fuel Association) can introduce airports to their members. Biofuels Digest and other trade
publications are also excellent sources of this information. Fuel suppliers are increasingly
present at major air shows and can be contacted at those venues.
Q: What is the biggest challenge in finding the best option for producing alternative jet fuel
in my region?
A: The main challenge for alternative jet fuel production is finding the appropriate feedstock.
For processing plants using biomass feedstocks, local availability of feedstocks is likely the
most important factor. For processing plants using fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas,
easy access to existing transportation infrastructure is the main concern.
Q: We have identified a possible production technology and have plenty of local feedstock;
how can we find a company to produce the fuel?
A: Contact CAAFI or ATA. The CAAFI website (www.caafi.org) contains links to many compa-
nies that are among their stakeholders. ATA can help identify a fuel expert from one of the
airlines that serves your airport. Other sources are the Advanced Biofuels Association, BIO,
and the Low Carbon Fuel Association. In addition, several trade publications (e.g., Biofuels
Digest) contain lists of qualified producers.
Q: Can more than one feedstock be used in a HEFA facility?
A: Yes, in fact most producers will not want to rely on a single feedstock. Multiple plant oils can
grow in the capture radius of a HEFA facility.
Q: Can the percentage of alternative jet fuel and other products from an alternative fuel
processing facility be altered during the life of the facility?
A: Yes. Alternative jet fuel requires more hydroprocessing capacity than diesel. Once a facility is
built for alternative jet fuel, it can always produce more alternative (green) diesel. Typically
the maximum amount of alternative jet production is 60%
Q: How much more will alternative jet fuels cost compared to conventional jet fuel? How will
the cost differential change with time?
A: According to most pricing scenarios, alternative jet fuels produced from new energy feed-
stocks and bought only in small quantities will cost more than conventional jet fuel. These
initial costs are mitigated by both Congressional subsidies ($1 per gallon in recent years) and
the USDA Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Considering the history of food crops, in which
the yield per acre has improved over time, it is reasonable to expect that the yield per acre of
bio-feedstocks will also increase, resulting in a reduction in their price.
Q: Are there public funding sources that can support feasibility studies for a biofuel facility
at or near an airport?
A: Yes. USDA Rural Development has a series of programs to fund these types of studies. State
agriculture departments are a source of programs as well. Contact CAAFI for more information.
Q: What constitutes a "rural" alternative jet fuel project that can be supported by USDA?
A: In new rules published in February 2011, the definition of "rural" is greatly expanded. For
example, a project constructed in a more-densely populated location using feedstocks from
historically rural locations can be eligible. Airports, their clients, and stakeholders should con-
sult with local and national USDA rural development authorities to establish how these new
rules are applied in the local area.
Q: Are there limitations on the sources of foreign funding that can be supported by the USDA
loan guarantee program?
