A step closer to net-zero aviation: Methanol-to-Jet gets ASTM certification
Aviation Fuel from green Methanol has achieved ASTM certification, an important milestone for its use in commercial aviation. The underlying Methanol-to-Jet technology is being developed at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, supporting the transition to lower-carbon aviation.
Worldwide, aviation accounts for more than 3% of all carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, making its decarbonisation a priority. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is expected to play a central role, with the international aviation industry estimating it could deliver around 65% of the emissions reductions needed for aviation to reach net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. At the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, researchers are contributing to this transition by developing new SAF production pathways.
A key milestone has been reached now: a new SAF production pathway, the so-called Methanol-to-Jet (MtJ) technology, has achieved ASTM certification, bringing it closer to widespread adoption.
What are Sustainable Aviation Fuels?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF is a renewable fuel made from non-petroleum feedstock and offers a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel. Crucially, it can be blended with standard jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure. SAF can also be produced from a range of feedstocks using different technological pathways, one of which is the Methanol-to-Jet that converts methanol into synthetic jet fuel.
This pathway was identified as a promising option as early as 2020 by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI and Empa within the SynFuels collaboration. Today, major initiatives advancing its development include the reFuel.ch consortium and the collaboration between PSI and the Zurich-based climate start-up Metafuels. Within this collaboration, PSI and Metafuels, with support from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE), have built the world’s first demonstration plant to test the Methanol-to-Jet process based on “aerobrew”, a technology developed by the two partners.
The Methanol-to-Jet pathway has now successfully passed the ASTM qualification process outlined in ASTM D4054 (“Standard Practice for Evaluation of New Aviation Turbine Fuels and Fuel Additives”) and has been approved for inclusion in ASTM D7566 (“Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons”). The D7566 qualification is an essential element for any new SAF technology and is globally recognised within the aviation industry.
Why is the ASTM certification important for the SAF industry?
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is an international organization that develops technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems and services.
ASTM certification is a critical step also for the aviation sector and for any new aviation fuel. It ensures that fuels meet strict safety, quality and performance requirements before they can be used in commercial aviation. The certification process is based on international consensus among ASTM members represented by industry stakeholders, including aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel producers, regulators and researchers.
With ASTM approval, Methanol-to-Jet fuels can now be considered “drop-in” fuels. This means they can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used within existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure without modification.
However, significant efforts are still needed to expand production capacity and meet future demand. At PSI, the demonstration plant on campus is now advancing technology and capacity further bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
Further information
ASTM announcement: Aviation Turbine Fuel Standard Revised | ASTM
