SIMULATION AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF BIO-JET FUEL PRODUCTION PROCESS USING NON-FOSSIL HYDROGEN OBTAINED FROM METALLIC ZINC OXIDATION

Biofuel production, particularly bio-jet fuel, has been incentivized due to the potential environmental benefits it can create. However, its production often relies on hydrogen from fossil sources, diminishing its sustainability. This work proposes a more sustainable alternative to the production of bio-jet fuel which involves generating hydrogen through the oxidation of metallic zinc in water, a safer and cleaner process. In this context, the study simulates bio-jet fuel production using non-fossil hydrogen from zinc oxidation. The process, modeled with Aspen Plus® V10, combines fatty acids and hydrogen to produce biokerosene, alongside zinc oxide, a commercially valuable byproduct. The proposed method operates under mild conditions (220 °C, 24 bar), reducing refinery dependence and offering economic advantages. The system was found to be economically viable with a 6-year investment payback and low CO2 emissions (4 kg CO2eq/kg H2), comparable to blue or turquoise hydrogen. Overall, this approach presents a sustainable and economically viable alternative for bio-jet fuel production, reducing the reliance on fossil sources and promoting greener aviation fuel.