Trinity boosts sustainable aviation fuel research with new partnership

Posted on: 25 January 2024

Trinity College Dublin and SMBC Aviation Capital have today announced the Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility at SMBC Aviation Capital. 

The research facility will focus on the research, development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). 

This adds a fresh dimension to Trinity's work on SAFs, which now involves four main projects with a shared goal of making air travel better for the planet.  

First, we have a service known as 'Prescreening' at the European Aviation Safety Authority EU SAF Clearing House. This helps new SAF producers understand and stick to the strict rules of the ASTM D4054 fuel evaluation process, making sure their fuel is safe and high quality.  

Our partnership with Ryanair concerns the Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Centre. Here, we dive into lots of research areas, looking at how to cut down greenhouse gases from planes and exploring new technologies for cleaner flying. This work helps us set new goals for greener flying.  

The new TCD SAF Research Facility at SMBC Aviation Capital is not just a place for collaboration, but also a hub for innovation.  

Lastly, our partnership with Aircraft Leasing Ireland focuses on making SAF in Ireland. Working together with the University of Limerick, we're figuring out how to get the materials we need for SAF and make sure we can produce it efficiently in Ireland.  

Our research projects are not only diverse but also impactful, addressing a wide spectrum of challenges and opportunities in the realm of sustainable aviation:  

- Green House Gas Intensity of SAF and Aviation Activity: Analysing the environmental benefits of SAF, focusing on its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in aviation.  

- Certification Properties – Prescreening: Streamlining the path to SAF certification, providing essential guidance to producers on meeting industry standards.  

- Evaluating the Impact of Zero-Carbon Aircraft Propulsion Systems: Investigating innovative propulsion technologies that could revolutionize the aviation industry's carbon footprint.  

- Optimisation of Future Fleet Composition & Scheduling: Exploring strategies to integrate SAF effectively, optimizing the operational efficiency of future aviation fleets.  

- Airport Noise Mapping: Assessing and mitigating the noise impact of aviation on surrounding communities, contributing to a more sustainable airport environment.  

- Exploring Potential Methods for Manufacturing SAF in Ireland: Identifying pathways to establish a robust SAF production framework, focusing on sustainable and efficient processes within Ireland.  

Science Foundation Ireland's backing has enabled us to acquire top-notch equipment and attract talent.  

The support from School of Engineering and Professor Alan O’Connor and our Dean of Research Prof Sinead Ryan has also been pivotal, especially for our research facility at SMBC Aviation Capital. 

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