Comparing Biofuels and Hydrogen as Alternatives to Conventional Jet Fuel

Abstract

The aviation industry heavily relies on fossil fuels to power its flights. The significant environmental challenges it creates, along with its unsustainability, intensify global pressure for decarbonization. This paper examines two primary alternatives with the potential to replace Jet A and Jet A-1. The two leading fuel alternatives are biofuels and hydrogen. Biofuels are a quick solution due to their compatibility with existing aircraft infrastructure. Evidenced by their ability to reduce carbon emissions and their highly tested performance in commercial flights. However, high production costs still remain as a major barrier. Hydrogen, on the other hand, whether combusted directly or used in fuel cells, provides a long-term, near zero-carbon option with exceptional energy density by weight. Though poor volumetric density, storage requirements, and infrastructure limitations still hinder large-scale adoption. By comparing the properties, benefits, and limitations of both fuels, this review highlights that while biofuels are the most practical short-term pathway, hydrogen holds the greatest long-term potential for achieving a sustainable and clean aviation future.