Industry partners launch BioPortYVR to boost supply of SAF

The Green Aviation Research and Development Network (GARDN), SkyNRG, Waterfall Group and Vancouver Airport Authority today announced the launch of BioPortYVR, an industry-led project to increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). BioPortYVR supports provincial and federal government climate action commitments and is an important step towards a made-in-B.C. solution for the introduction of SAF across Canada.

Sustainable aviation fuel is not currently widely available in Canada. Meanwhile, demand is growing as the airline industry looks to reduce its carbon footprint. The International Air Transport Association lists sustainable aviation fuel as one of the key elements to help the aviation industry achieve its ambitious 2050 emissions reduction goals.

The first step of the project includes a comprehensive feasibility study designed to assess the implementation of an integrated SAF supply chain in B.C. The study, set to be completed in March 2020, was commissioned by GARDN and brings together leading experts in SAF initiative development and airport sustainability.

BioPortYVR will consider and evaluate the viability of implementing regional supply chains to distribute SAF to airlines at YVR and surrounding airports through demand centres known as BioPorts. In the coming months, the project partners will engage with industry, government and other stakeholders to develop a series of actionable recommendations for the introduction of SAF at YVR.

Sustainable aviation fuel is produced from a wide range of sustainable sources, including organic waste streams, agri-residues and sustainable plant oils. Certified SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel and does not require changes to aircraft or special infrastructure at airports, since it meets applicable regulatory requirements. SAF can result in CO2 emissions reductions by more than 85 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel.

“Since 2009, GARDN has funded more than 35 collaborative projects – including projects on sustainable aviation fuels – that have led to groundbreaking innovations all along the supply chain, reducing the environmental impact of Canada’s aerospace industry. We are proud to commission the BioPortYVR project and work with industry-leading partners to assess the future of locally produced SAF in Canada and shape a more sustainable air transportation industry,” said Kateryna Derkach, GARDN’s director of strategy and sustainability.

“We are proud to be a part of BioPortYVR and to help advance the use of SAF in Canada together with such strong partners,” added Misha Valk, head of future fuels, SkyNRG. “Building new industries is all about partnering with the right people and organizations. For us, this is an important milestone in growing the market for sustainable aviation fuel and in ensuring a sustainable future for commercial aviation.”