Driving forward the decarbonisation of CO2-intensive aviation with SAF
Smelty + Partners, a German management consultancy for sustainable transformation, has an ambitious goal: to drive forward the decarbonisation of CO2-intensive aviation with innovative concepts, methods and technologies. It is thus consolidating its role as a reliable innovation partner for the aviation industry on its path to net-zero emissions by 2050. The focus here is on innovative circular solutions in the cultivation of bio-based raw materials with high oil content for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Expanding bio-based raw material cultivation for SAF with innovative strength and cutting-edge technologies
The key to a sustainable aviation industry lies in a combination of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), more efficient aircraft technologies and process optimisation. The cultivation of bio-based raw materials for SAF production is a lever for driving forward the decarbonisation of CO2-intensive aviation.
SAF currently accounts for 0.7% of all aviation fuels, and demand is set to rise dramatically in the coming years. This sustainability segment offers enormous potential – ecologically, economically and socially. ‘That’s why I’m delighted that we have succeeded in developing a scalable agricultural solution together with aviation and agricultural experts from Germany and the UAE’ explains Birgitt Smelty, CEO of Smelty + Partners, who herself has many years of experience in the global air freight business.
Our multinational transformation team worked in a series of think tanks to develop a holistic, scalable and eco-friendly agricultural solution for growing high-yield, non-edible raw materials for SAF production. They combine nature-based farming methods with a focus on maximising yields and smart agricultural technologies to make processes more efficient, precise and sustainable.
‘We create the right ecosystem ourselves, which protects fields, reduces temperatures and improves water balance and soil fertility. The use of digital agricultural technologies is essential: precise real-time data shows which areas need water, fertiliser or plant protection products. Agricultural robots irrigate, fertilise and harvest. We work with innovative technology companies from Europe in this area,’ explains Claus Raemer, Strategic Consultant at Smelty + Partners.
By building resilient, resource-efficient biodiversity and integrating smart agar technologies, Smelty + Partners pursues the following goals:
- Ecological: Promote regenerative agriculture and the greening of desert areas.
- Social: Create further training programmes and jobs in new professions of the future.
- Economic: Increase energy and food efficiency and create added value through carbon financing.
Making environmental projects resilient with innovative technologies and carbon financing
Smelty + Partners also recognises the crucial role of carbon credit markets in financing climate innovation. By actively collaborating with buyers of emission allowances, the company works to secure long-term off-take agreements that validate and monetise verified carbon reductions. This dual focus – technological innovation, carbon reduction and financing – ensures that environmental projects are technically robust, financially resilient and profitable.
Creating holistic value with environmental innovations
Smelty + Partners believes that environmental innovation is not just about reducing emissions, but also about creating holistic value.
- Strengthen energy security through sustainable fuels
- Secure food supplies through by-products from bio-based raw materials
- Build climate resilience through regenerative land use
- Strengthen investor confidence through transparent ESG framework conditions
Driving sustainable innovation with concentrated energy
As the SAF project continues to evolve, Smelty + Partners will continue to champion environmental innovation by combining European technological excellence with the UAE’s sustainability goals. Together with strategic partners, the company is committed to a future that combines innovation, ethics and sustainability.
‘The SAF project shows how cooperation accelerates innovation. Similar to the launch of an aeroplane, experts from the UAE and Germany have pooled their energy to accelerate with maximum thrust and take off. We are delighted to be involved in this flagship project and are confident that together we will achieve the UAE’s SAF goals.’ says Birgitt Smelty.
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