A4A is an airline trade organization that advocates on behalf of its members to shape policies and measures that promote safety, security and a healthy U.S. airline industry

ABFA is an industry trade organization representing entities pursuing the commercialization of renewable fuels

ACI-NA is a trade organization that represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA is one of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International (ACI).

A research effort of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) that carries out applied research on problems shared by airport operating agencies. The TRB is an entity of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is a nonprofit professional society of over 11,000 members in 78 countries. The mission of AEE is “ to promote the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for Sustainable Development.” AEE also commonly refers to FAA AEE.

An organization of the United States Air Force dedicated to the discovery, development, and integration of war fighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. AFRL has been engaged in the evaluation and qualification of synthetic jet fuel production methodologies.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is the trade association representing the nation's aerospace and defense manufacturers.

This term is broader than SAJF as it includes fuels sourced from petroleum alternatives that may not be considered sustainable, such as coal.

ALTA is a private law entity nonprofit comprised of airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to combine and coordinate the efforts of its members to facilitate the development of air transport in Latin America and strengthen the channels of collaboration and communication between those for mutual benefit of industry and its users.

A United States based nonprofit organization whose membership is comprised of owners and operators of liquid pipelines.

API is a national trade association that represents all aspects of the United States' oil and natural gas industry.

A reforming reaction that occurs in the presence of liquid water; specifically a reforming reaction to generate hydrogen and alkanes from biomass-derived carbohydrates.

An entity within the Department of Energy that advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. ARPA-E projects have the potential to radically improve U.S. economic security, national security, and environmental well-being. ARPA-E empowers America’s energy researchers with funding, technical assistance, and market readiness.

A research partnership with cost-sharing among academia, industry, and government, focused on environmental aviation topics and alternative jet fuel.

ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is a voluntary standards development organizations. ASTM International specifications are used for the certification of jet fuel.

A widely utilized specification that defines the properties of aviation turbine fuel for civil use and describes fuels found satisfactory for the certification and operation of aircraft and engines. The specification can be used as a standard in describing the quality of aviation turbine fuels from the refinery to the aircraft.

This practice covers and provides a framework for the qualification and approval of new fuels and new fuel additives for use in commercial and military aviation gas turbine engines. The practice was developed as a guide (e.g. for those seeking ASTM D7566 adoption of a new synthetic jet fuel blending component) by the aviation gas-turbine engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with ASTM International member support.

This specification defines specific types of aviation turbine fuel that contain synthesized hydrocarbons for civil use in the operation and certification of aircraft and describes fuels found satisfactory for the operation of aircraft and engines.

Previous name of A4A

A synthetic jet fuel blending component produced from the conversion of alcohols to hydrocarbon chains (in the jet fuel range) through the use of thermo-chemical processes (dehydration, oligomerization, hydrogenation, and fractionation primarily)

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 defines alternative fuels as methanol, denatured ethanol and other alcohol; mixtures containing 85 percent or more (but not less than 70 percent as determined by the Secretary of Energy by rule to provide for requirements relating to cold start, safety or vehicle functions) by volume of methanol, denatured ethanol and other alcohols with gasoline or other fuels. Includes compressed natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, hydrogen, coal-derived liquid fuels, fuels other than alcohols derived from biological materials, electricity or any other fuel the Secretary of Energy determines by rule is substantially not petroleum and would yield substantial energy security and environmental benefits.

Fats and Oils derived from animal processing, being used for conversion into fuels, including: tallow - from beef, sheep, goat processing white grease / lard - from pork processing fish oil, shellfish oil, chicken fat

A term used to summarize the amount of energy that is equivalent to the amount of energy found in a barrel of crude oil. Also known as Crude Oil Equivalent (COE).

The Biomass Research and Development Board is an interagency collaborative effort among the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and other agencies involved in biomass research and development. The Board, which "coordinates research and development activities concerning bio-based fuels, products and power across federal agencies," is co-chaired by the USDA, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The BRDB has a Technical Advisory Committee whose role it is to provide feedback to the chairs on the overall effectiveness of the program.

The process to produce liquid biofuels from biomass, or more specifically, referring to a process via which biomass is gasified and converted to liquid fuels via Fischer-Tropsch methods.

Bioenergy is a form of energy that comes from materials derived from recently living biological organisms (biomass), including plants, animals, and their byproducts.

Renewable fuels derived from biological materials that can be regenerated. This distinguishes them from fossil fuels which are considered non-renewable. Example of biofuels are fermented alcohols, biodiesel, renewable diesel, RJF/SAJF, and biogas. Biofuels compatible with jet-powered aviation are described in ASTM D7566. Renewable fuels can be produced from a wide range of non-petrochemical feedstocks, and via a wide range of conversion processes, including both biochemical and thermochemical processes.

Biomass is a general term that describes any material (mass) that has been produced by the growth and resource use of living organisms; therefore any plant, animal, or bacterial material is biomass.

A coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants and U.S. government agencies. Together these stakeholders are leading the development and deployment of alternative jet fuels for commercial aviation

The process to produce liquid biofuels from a combination of coal and biomass, or more specifically, referring to a process via which coal and biomass are gasified and converted to liquid fuels via Fischer-Tropsch methods.

A process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions to prevent them from going into the atmosphere, and then storing them permanently. A commonly discussed strategy is to store captured CO2 by pumping it underground into geological formations. There are also discussion of biological capture and sequestration in trees, algae etc.

The process via which captured carbon is subsequently re-used and released into the atmosphere, representing at least one additional recycling of the carbon.

A process using hot, compressed water and a catalyst to convert vegetable and animal fats from triglycerides into a bio-crude intermediate that can then be refined to produce a complete drop-in alternative jet fuel including aromatic compounds.

Methane (CH4) is a naturally occurring gas emitted from a variety of natural and human-influenced sources. It is both a source of energy (natural gas) and a potent greenhouse gas. It is naturally emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices and by the decay of organic waste (e.g. in municipal solid waste landfills). As a greenhouse gas, methane remains in the atmosphere for approximately 9-15 years. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period. Human-influenced sources include landfills, natural gas and petroleum systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial process.

An FAA Program to develop and foster industry acceptance of new technologies that reduce environmental impacts

Natural gas (consisting primarily of methane) that is compressed until it is less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric. It can serve as an alternative to gasoline, and its use is often targeted a fleet vehicles (trucks and buses). It typically is drawn from domestically drilled natural gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production, although it can be comprised of biogas as well.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly less dense than air, and is toxic to humans when encountered in concentrations above about 35 ppm. Carbon Monoxide is produced from the partial oxidation of carbon-containing compounds; it forms when there is not enough oxygen to complete the combustion of carbon which produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. CO has a role in the formation of ground-level ozone, and so its production (e.g. from jet engines) is regulated.

A natural product of the combustion of carbon compounds. Enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g., manufacture of cement). Carbon dioxide is also removed from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is absorbed by plants or the ocean as part of the biological carbon cycle.

A term used to summarize the amount of energy that is equivalent to the amount of energy found in a barrel of crude oil. Also known as Barrel of Oil Equivalent (BOE).

The process to produce liquid biofuels from coal, or more specifically, referring to a process via which coal is gasified to form a syngas which is then converted to liquid fuels via Fischer-Tropsch methods.

An industry, sector, or company continues to expand its activities without incurring further increases in net greenhouse gas emission.

The process in which the rate of a chemical reaction is either increased or decreased by means of a chemical substance.

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any change.

The structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae and the oomycetes. It is made up of cross-linked sugar molecules and is difficult to break down. A "cellulosic" biofuel production process would degrade cellulose sufficiently to make the sugars accessible for further processing.

Refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization. In the realm of fuels, it often refers to whether a fuel can be "certified" as meeting a specification.

A sector of the U.S. economy comprising scheduled and nonscheduled passenger and cargo airlines, aviation manufacturers, airport and aircraft service providers (including government services) and air cargo service providers.

An association or a combination, as of businesses, financial institutions, or investors, for the purpose of engaging in a joint venture.

The difference between crude oil and refined petroleum product prices, when expressed in similar units, is known as the crack spread. For example, if crude oil costs $60 per barrel and jet fuel costs $75 per barrel, the jet fuel crack spread is $15 per barrel.

Term used in the oil refining industry, meaning to "crack" crude oil, which is to break down the long-chain hydrocarbons in the crude oil into shorter chains. Also used with regard to the breaking of long-chain fatty acid derivatives (usually C18-C22) or synthetic waxes (e.g., from Fischer-Tropsch) to the jet fuel range (C8-C14).

A mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the liquid phase in natural underground reservoirs and remains liquid at atmospheric pressure after passing through surface-separating facilities. The U.S. benchmark for crude oil prices is West Texas Intermediate (WTI), measured in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Unburned carbon molecules. See also UHC.

The research and development office for the U.S. Department of Defense.

An agency within the Department of Defense responsible for providing the Department of Defense and other government agencies with comprehensive energy solutions in the most effective and efficient manner possible. DLA procures fuel for the Armed Services.

A change in the use or management of land by humans. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) distinguishes six broad land use categories: forestland, cropland, grassland, wetlands, settlements, and other land (e.g. bare soil, rock and ice), where the conversion from one land use category to another is called LUC.

The U.S. Department of Defense is the federal department charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the military.

The U.S. Department of Energy is the federal department charged with advancing the development of energy technologies and promoting related innovation in the United States

The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation is to develop and coordinate policies that will provide an efficient and economical national transportation system, with due regard for need, the environment, and the national defense.

U.S. federal law enacted in 1950 giving the President authority to force private industry into giving priority to defense and homeland security contracts and allocate resources as needed. Title III of the Act enables the Federal government to engage in activities to "create assured, affordable, commercially viable production capabilities and capacities for items essential for national defense." The Advanced Drop-in Biofuels Production Project under this program is funding several first-of-a-kind drop-in alternative fuel biorefineries. This program is funded jointly by USDA, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense.

Commercialization and commercial use of a new technology such as alternative fuels.

A substitute for conventional jet fuel, that is completely interchangeable and compatible with conventional jet fuel when blended with conventional jet fuel. A drop-in fuel blend does not require adaptation of the aircraft/engine fuel system or the fuel distribution network, and can be used “as is” on currently flying turbine-powered aircraft.

U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration provides official energy analysis, information and statistics.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enforces U.S. environmental protection laws.

The molecular formula for Ethanol is C2H5OH. Ethanol is often abbreviated as EtOH, using the common organic chemistry notation of representing the ethyl group (C2H5) with "Et" and the Hydroxyl group with "OH". Ethanol is primarily a product of fermentation processes (the conversion of sugars). Although alcohols are readily combustible, they are not compatible with existing turbine-powered aircraft or infrastructure.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is an entity within the Department of Transportation whose continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

This Office within the FAA recommends and coordinates national aviation policy relating to environmental and energy matters, which includes noise and emissions. The FAA uses such multi-letter terminology as a convenient organizational naming convention

Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) is a moniker commonly used in reference to biodiesel. This is traditional biodiesel, produced by processing raw vegetable oil or animal fats through a chemical process called transesterification. FAME is not a suitable "drop in" fuel for jet aircraft as it contains oxygenates, and in fact is considered to be a contaminant when found in jet fuel.

The primary provider of services to general aviation aircraft and operators located at or adjacent to an airport. General aviation refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial.

The federal agency with jurisdiction over, among other things, interstate natural gas pricing, oil pipeline rates and gas pipeline certification.

A biofuel created by a synthetic biology process in which metabolic processes involved in fermentation have been co-opted by genetically modifying organisms to produce hydrocarbons in place of ethanol.

A scale that provides an objective measure of how close a particular alternative fuel or feedstock is to successful deployment for jet fuel production.

A document that contains details on an agreement between a seller and buyer for a commitment to sell and to purchase fuel.  The agreement will contain name of buyer, the seller, term, product specification, volume, price, payment terms, delivery points, contacts and any other terms and conditions related to the transaction.

The Feedstock Readiness Level (FSRL) Tool is a companion to the CAAFI® Readiness Level (FRL) Tool. The FSRL Tool provides a means of tracking development and availability of the raw materials (or feedstocks) required to make alternative jet fuels. Levels range from 1, preliminary feedstock evaluation, to 9, commercial deployment of the feedstock.

Is a catalyzed chemical reaction in which synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, is converted into liquid hydrocarbons of various forms. Named for German researchers Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch

The Fischer–Tropsch process (or Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis) is a catalyzed chemical reaction in which synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, is converted into liquid hydrocarbons of various forms via the use of a reactor with cobalt or iron catalyst.

Nomenclature for an approved process for the creation of jet fuel blending component using FT conversion of syngas. The specification for this fuel is included in ASTM D7566, Annex A1.

Nomenclature for a pending approval for the creation of jet fuel blending component (paraffins and aromatics) using FT conversion of syngas. The specification for this fuel will be included in ASTM D7566, Annex A4.

Organic acids from which fats and oils are made. These can be used as feedstocks for HEFA fuels.

Raw material(s) required for an industrial process, and more specifically, a source of hydrogen and carbon (hydrocarbon) for the production of an alternative fuel. Feedstocks can come in various forms (solid, gas, liquid) and from various sources (e.g. oils, sugars and starches, cellulose, industrial waste streams).

Any of a group of chemical reactions induced by living or nonliving ferments that split complex organic compounds into relatively simple substances (e.g. the conversion of sugars or starches to ethanol and CO2).

Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. Fluorinated gases are sometimes used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances (i.e., CFCs, HCFCs, and halons). These gases are typically emitted in smaller quantities, but because they are potent greenhouse gases, they are sometimes referred to as High Global Warming Potential gases (“High GWP gases”).

Any naturally occurring organic fuel found in the Earth’s crust (such as petroleum, coal and natural gas) formed by fossilization of organic material deposited by decaying plant/animal matter.

Holding place where fuel resides.

Greenhouse Gases (GHG) trap heat in the atmosphere. The principal greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere because of human activities are Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Fluorinated Gases.

The cumulative radiative forcing effects of a gas over a specified time horizon resulting from the emission of a unit mass of gas relative to a reference gas. Used to compare different green-house-gases with each other on a relative basis

It is a thermochemical manufacturing process that converts any material containing carbon—such as coal, petroleum coke (petcoke), or biomass—into synthesis gas (syngas).

A term used to describe all non-military and non-airline flying, encompassing everything from recreational aircraft to experimental aircraft to privately owned and operated business jets. General aviation flies according to FAA’s part 91 or 135 rules.

Pyrolysis process to convert plant biomass into biocrude oil via thermochemical depolymerization, followed by upgrading to jet fuel.

Product of converting vegetable and animal fats from triglycerides into hydrocarbons via hydrogenation to remove oxygen. Jet fuel production requires subsequent cracking of long hydrocarbons to jet fuel length.

Nomenclature for an approved process for the creation of jet fuel blending component using hydroprocessing of plant and animal based fats, oils, and greases (Mono-, di-, and triglycerides, free fatty acids and fatty acid esters). The HEFA process converts the oils into hydrocarbons via hydrogenation to remove essentially all oxygen. Jet fuel production requires subsequent hydroprocessing of these hydrocarbons to jet fuel length. The specification for this fuel is included in ASTM D7566, Annex A2.

A moniker used to describe HEFA-SPK prior to the name being formalized by ASTM D7566.

Substances containing only hydrogen and carbon. Fossil fuels are comprised of hydrocarbons, as are synthetic drop-in jet fuels.

Any of several chemical engineering processes including hydrogenation, hydrocracking and hydrotreating, especially as part of oil refining

Process that removes sulfur and nitrogen in petroleum refineries to improve the quality of gasoline, jet fuels and diesel fuel

Industry group operating as a vehicle for inter-airline cooperation in promoting safe, reliable, secure and economical  air services - for the benefit of the world's consumers

ICAO is a United Nations specialized agency that works with 191 member states and global aviation organizations to develop international Standards and Recommended Practices which States reference when developing their legally-enforceable national civil aviation regulations.

Intergovernmental organization which acts as energy policy advisor to 28 member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for their citizens. Founded during the oil crisis of 1973-74, the IEA’s initial role was to co-ordinate measures in times of oil supply emergencies. As energy markets have changed, so has the IEA. Its mandate has broadened to incorporate the “Three E’s” of balanced energy policy making: energy security, economic development and environmental protection. "

The sum of direct and indirect land use change. Most land use change analysis is done with computable general equilibrium (CGE) models or large scale agricultural sector models, and direct and indirect land use changes are not distinguishable in those models. The ILUC occurs as a result of a shock (often policy related) applied to the model, which “induces” market mediated responses.

Land Use Change that occurs as the result of a change in demand for a product that causes a change in agricultural production on land not being used for the production of that product. These changes are often driven by market mediated response or policies (e.g., RED or RFS).

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a body established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic consequences.

Both Jet A and Jet A1 are kerosene based fuels used to power turbine-based engines typically found on high-speed commercial aircraft. It is defined by ASTM D1655 specification. Jet A is normally only available in the U.S.A, while Jet A1 is widely used elsewhere. The two fuels differ by requiring different levels of freeze point maximum (-40°C for Jet A, and -47°C for Jet A-1).

A generic term that refers to a mixture of hydrocarbons in the C8 to C16 range, consisting of paraffins, cyclo-paraffins, and aromatics. It is a middle distillate fuel with properties that make it conducive to use in turbine (jet) powered aircraft (e.g. high energy density, low freezing point, and high flash point).

A unit of work or energy symbolized by the letter J

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions .

Life cycle analyses (LCA) is a methodology that evaluates the entire spectrum of impact of a product over its whole life cycle. In the case of biofuels, LCA generally refers to a calculation of CO2 or GHG emissions from initiation of feedstock production to combustion of the fuel in a vehicle.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) -- a business structure allowed by state statute. LLCs are popular because, similar to a corporation, owners have limited personal liability for the debts and actions of the LLC. Other features of LLCs are more like a partnership, providing management flexibility and the benefit of pass-through taxation. Owners of an LLC are called members. Since most states do not restrict ownership, members may include individuals, corporations, other LLCs and foreign entities. There is no maximum number of members. Most states also permit “single member” LLCs, those having only one owner. A few types of businesses generally cannot be LLCs, such as banks and insurance companies. Check your state’s requirements and the federal tax regulations for further information. There are special rules for foreign LLCs.

All aircraft activities that take place at altitudes under 914 meters (3.000 feet), including taxi-in and -out, take-off, climb-out and approach-landing.

A change in the use or management of land by humans. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) distinguishes six broad land use categories: forestland, cropland, grassland, wetlands, settlements, and other land (e.g. bare soil, rock and ice), where the conversion from one land use category to another is called LUC.

One million joules symbolized by MJ

A document describing a bilateral or multilateral agreement between parties. It expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is often used in cases where parties either do not imply a legal commitment or in situations where the parties cannot create a legally enforceable agreement. It is a more formal alternative to a gentlemen's agreement. In some cases, depending on the exact wording, MoUs can have the binding power of a contract; as a matter of law, contracts do not need to be labeled as such to be legally binding. Whether or not a document constitutes a binding contract depends only on the presence or absence of well-defined legal elements in the text proper of the document (the so-called "four corners"). For example, a binding contract typically must contain mutual consideration—a legally enforceable obligations of the parties, and its formation must take place free of the so-called real defenses to contract formation (fraud, duress, lack of age or mental capacity, etc.).

A unit typically used for the measurement of the mass of CO2 emitted by a process or entity. The unit is typically expressed in metric tonnes.

1,000 Kilograms or 2,205 Pounds

Chemical emitted from natural biosphere activity, certain agricultural (natural and human influenced) and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels (primarily in internal combustion engines, and not turbine engines). N2O is a potent green house gas and Stratospheric Ozone depletion agent. It is used as an oxidizer in rocket motors, and as an anesthetic and analgesic. See also NOx.

The National Aeronautics Space Administration's (NASA) mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is the leading organization representing aviation service businesses such as fixed base operators, charter providers, aircraft management companies including those supporting fractional shareholders, maintenance and repair organizations, flight training and airline service companies. Founded in 1940, NATA aggressively promotes safety and the success of aviation service businesses through its advocacy efforts before government, the media and the public as well as by providing valuable programs and forums to further its members’ prosperity.

Technical moniker associated with Renewable Diesel which is produced through hydrotreating, similar to HEFA-SPK. This nomenclature differentiates this type of diesel from the product commonly described as biodiesel (produced via esterification, FAME).

Nitrogen oxides produced by the reaction of naturally occurring nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air during combustion. NOx gases react to form smog, acid rain, and ozone. The production of NOx from gas turbine engines for aviation is regulated.

An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components which are purchased by a purchasing company and retailed under the purchasing company's brand name. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product.

An agreement between a producer of a resource and a buyer of a resource to purchase/sell portions of the producer's future production.

Any of a class of unsaturated open-chain hydrocarbons such as ethylene, having the general formula CnH2n

A chemical process that converts monomers to a finite degree of polymerization; can be used to convert alcohols such as ethanol (a C2 molecule) into longer chain hydrocarbons such as jet fuel (C8, C10, C12, C14, C16). See also "ATJ or Alcohol-to-Jet"

Tiny particles of volatile and nonvolatile solid or liquid suspended in a gas or liquid

A generic term applied to oil and oil products in all forms, such as crude oil, lease condensate, unfinished oils, petroleum products, natural gas plant liquids, and non-hydrocarbon compounds blended into finished petroleum products.

A pipe used to transport liquids or gases.

Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of condensed organic substances by heating in a low oxygen environment (to prevent combustion). Can be used to convert plant material to crude oil that can be used for biofuels.

Qualification processes are used by specification-writing organizations such as ASTM International to develop new fuel specifications, or to revise existing specifications (e.g. to add a new alternative fuel). These qualification processes will include a technical evaluation of the fuel followed by development of the specification requirements and criteria.

Process of converting lignocellulosic biomass to a biocrude via acid hydrolysis, followed by a condensation step to create carbon chains which are then hydrotreated to convert the bio-crude into drop-in fuel.

See also Biofuel.

A production facility composed of a group of chemical engineering unit processes and unit operations refining certain materials or converting raw material into products of value.

The process of purification of a substance or a form; e.g., crude oil into refined petroleum products

Energy generated from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished)

The element sulfur, often found in petrochemical feedstocks. When combusted, any sulfur present in the fuel oxidizes to form oxides of sulfur (often referred to as SOx) which are a major air pollutant (contributing to acid rain and atmospheric particulates). This factor is the driving force behind efforts to introduce ultra-low sulfur fuels. Sulfur does have the positive effect of being a natural lubricant in jet engine fuel system components, so its complete removal will drive the need for incorporating lubricity additives for the fuel.

Terminology preferred by international and EU stakeholders to describe conventional jet fuel blended with jet fuel derived from sustainable alternatives to petroleum.

Aviation fuels produced sustainably from renewable resources (in whole or in part). See also Biofuel.

Nomenclature for an approved process for the creation of jet fuel blending component using synthesized iso-paraffins from the specialized fermentation of sugars. The specification for this fuel is included in ASTM D7566, Annex A3.

A very generic term for jet fuel produced from a non-petroleum sources. See also Alternative Fuel

A more descriptive but still generic term for a jet fuel blending component that contains aromatic content.

See description under Sulfur

CAAFI's R&D Team webinar series focused on the co-processing of biofuels within existing refinery systems with an emphasis on the applicability of this approach to produce aviation biofuels.

Drop-in alternative jet fuel blending component consisting of paraffins derived from non-petroleum sources (often biofuels). It is not a complete replacement for jet fuel as is does not contain cyclo-paraffins or aromatics. (See Jet Fuel)

STG+ gas-to-liquids technology is a thermochemical catalytic process to convert syngas derived from natural gas, biomass or municipal solid waste into methanol, which is dehydrated into dimethyl ether and then converted via catalysis, transalkylation and hydrogenation into drop-in transportation fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel and aromatic chemicals

European Commission effort that funded an alternative-fuel-for-aviation initiative.

An asset that is worth less on the market than it is on a balance sheet due to the fact that it has become obsolete in advance of complete depreciation

Entity that provides goods or services to a company

A system of organizations, people, technology, activities, information and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer

The provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

Syngas is the abbreviation for Synthesis gas. This is a gas mixture that comprises of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The syngas is produced due to the gasification of a carbon containing fuel to a gaseous product that has some heating value

Synthetic biology refers to both the design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not already exist in the natural world and the re-design and fabrication of existing biological systems. Currently being used by some biofuels companies to convert raw materials into hydrocarbons using biological processes.

Liquid fuel obtained from non-petroleum feedstocks (coal, natural gas, or biomass)

A jet fuel derived from non-petroleum sources as defined by ASTM 7566

The primary constituent of naturally occurring plant and animal oils composed of three fatty acid molecules attached to a single glycerol molecule.

TRB is one of six major divisions of the National Research Council— a private, nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academies in providing services to the government, the public, and the scientific and engineering communities. The National Research Council is jointly administered by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The Transportation Research Board engages professionals worldwide in a broad range of interdisciplinary , multimodal activities for innovative transportation solutions.

See Animal Oils

A facility for storage of liquid petroleum products or petrochemicals

The rate at which something can be processed, often mass or volume per day or year

Oil (typically plant oils, but not always) from cooking processes (homes, restaurants, industrial applications) that is discarded/recycled after reaching its useful life. It has subsequent use for animal feed, and the manufacture of soap, make-up, clothes, rubber, and detergents. It is being used as a feedstock for biofuel production. Differs from Brown Grease which is typically recovered from grease traps in sewage treatment facilities, and often contains significant contaminants that make its re-use difficult.

Hydrocarbons that are not completely converted to CO2 during the combustion process due to some inefficiency, subsequently considered to be contaminates or particulates in the engine exhaust.

For diesel, defined as having a maximum 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content.

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is the federal department charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to agriculture - providing leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management

Refers to the concept of loading the fuel onto an aircraft for usage on the next flight. Can be specific in its meaning of how much fuel is loaded onto the aircraft (mass or volume).

Also known as Texas Light Sweet, is a type of crude oil used as a benchmark in oil pricing and the underlying commodity of New York Mercantile Exchange's oil futures contracts

Yellow Grease is the product produced from the recycling of used cooking oil. It is being used as a feedstock for biodiesel production