Aligning sustainable aviation fuel research with sustainable development goals: Trends and thematic analysis

Over the past decade, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) research has surged due to aviation’s 2–3 % global emissions, driving urgent development to meet climate goals. This study employed a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review following the PRISMA framework with a case study analysis. This study is the first to systematically review the SAF literature through the lens of the SDGs, providing a comprehensive analysis of how SAF research contributes to various sustainable development targets. This highlights critical gaps in current research, particularly the need for studies focused on the economic and social dimensions of SAFs alongside technological and environmental aspects. This paper utilized BERTopic modeling for thematic analysis and the SDG Mapper tool to align SAF-related publications with SDGs, providing a comprehensive overview of the research landscape. The findings reveal that 38.9 % of SAF research aligns with SDG 13 (climate action), emphasizing the focus on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) are also significantly represented, with 24.1 % and 13.7 % alignment, respectively. Six thematic topics are identified: net zero aviation emissions, SAF supply chain models, SAFs for advanced air mobility, microalgae-based aviation biofuels, bio jet fuel production processes, and renewable bio jet fuel catalysts. The case studies on SAFs cover technological innovations, supply chain management, environmental impact, and stakeholder engagement, highlighting the challenges and benefits of reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint. To reduce aviation emissions, companies should optimize SAF blending, invest in Jatropha-based fuels, locate facilities strategically, retrofit refineries, assess life cycles, and engage stakeholders. Governments must update standards, provide financial incentives, support retrofits, ensure environmental standards, promote renewable feedstocks, foster collaboration, and incentivize SAF adoption. The results underscore SAF's potential to significantly contribute to multiple SDGs, particularly in reducing aviation's carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices.