The engine manufacturer announced that it is joining the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) to advance its goal of being a net-zero emissions company by 2050.
RSB is a global organization that works with industry stakeholders to lead the transition to a circular economy. By joining RSB, GE Aviation will help set standards and promote discussions on the implementation of policies that drive the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
The company is committed to promoting SAF as it is one of the most rapidly deployable options for reducing the environmental impact of aviation in the industry, as its use requires no modifications to existing aircraft or fuel infrastructure. However, PBS production currently accounts for less than 1% of global aviation fuel demand.
Allen Paxson, GE Aviation’s vice president of commercial program strategy, said, «GE Aviation is pleased to join RSB, which is helping to enable the aviation industry’s transition to a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with less carbon than fossil-based fuels. We are committed to a future of more sustainable flight and look forward to working with RSB to support policies that encourage wider adoption of SAF while ensuring that fuels are sourced responsibly.»
RSB has been working for more than 10 years to promote circular and bio-based economies, seeking innovative solutions to climate change issues. With its members, it «develops projects, new knowledge and best practices that equip key decision-makers to generate positive impacts for people and the planet».
Elena Schmidt, executive director of RSB, said the organization «is delighted to welcome GE Aviation as a member. Our collaborative network represents pioneers and leaders on a journey towards a circular and bio-based economy, and the addition of GE Aviation gives us more confidence that we are on the right path to achieve our mission, especially when it comes to promoting SAF and transforming aviation. We know GE Aviation will take full advantage of all that our membership has to offer, and we look forward to supporting them in reaching their goal of becoming net-zero by 2050.»
Currently, all engines manufactured by GE Aviation can operate using sustainable aviation fuel. As reported by the company «since 2007 it has been actively involved in the evaluation and classification of SAF (…) and works closely with producers, regulators and operators to help ensure that SAF can be widely adopted for aviation use.»