SAFMAPS - A GEOSPATIAL DATABASE FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF AVIATION BIOFUELS

Brazil is recognized as one of the leading potential producers of feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). This paper introduces the SAFmaps platform, an open-access geospatial database containing spatial information on the most promising feedstocks for SAF production in Brazil, their associated supply chains, and a collection of mapped data related to the CORSIA sustainable criteria. The addressed feedstocks include eucalyptus, soybean, palm, macaw palm, sugarcane, corn, beef tallow, steel off-gases, and bio-based residues. The geographic scope covers thirteen Brazilian states with the greatest potential for producing feedstocks that can be utilized in three certified routes for SAF production. The available geospatial information about the feedstocks includes original maps of agricultural suitability, expected yields, estimated costs for the six biomasses, as well as maps illustrating the availability and potential of bio-based residues for producing SAF. The SAFmaps database also provides a collection of background maps as well as existing and planned infrastructure related to the SAF supply chain. Maps related to 10 out of the 12 CORSIA Sustainability criteria are also available. In addition to geospatial information, the platform offers reports and results of case studies. The applicability of the SAFmaps database is large and can be used by public policymakers, stakeholders in the civil aviation sector, and general users. All information is publicly available for access and download.