Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Jet Fuel Production and Consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Energy journal has estimated the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with jet fuel production and consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research, which was financially supported by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), used the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to analyze the Well-To-Wake framework, encompassing the Well-To-Tank and Tank-To-Wake activities.

The study found that the mean Well-To-Wake GHG emissions of jet fuel production and consumption in the KSA amounts to 84.74 g CO2eq/MJ, which is 4.79% lower than the default emission factor for conventional jet fuel (89 g CO2eq/MJ), yet 5.79% higher than the threshold established for Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel (80.9 g CO2eq/MJ). The Well-To-Tank activities contribute to 13.8% of total emissions. By incorporating decarbonization measures in the Well-To-Tank activities, such as better managing co-extracted natural gas during oil extraction or including Carbon Capture Systems, GHG emissions could fall below 80.9 g CO2eq/MJ.

Key Takeaways:

  • The life cycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with jet fuel production and consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amount to 84.74 g CO2eq/MJ.
  • This value is 4.79% lower than the default emission factor for conventional jet fuel (89 g CO2eq/MJ), yet 5.79% higher than the threshold established for Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel (80.9 g CO2eq/MJ).
  • Well-To-Tank activities contribute to 13.8% of total emissions.
  • Decarbonization measures, such as better managing co-extracted natural gas during oil extraction or including Carbon Capture Systems, could reduce GHG emissions below 80.9 g CO2eq/MJ.
  • Tank-To-Wake decarbonization options, such as selecting an appropriate aircraft type or managing the passenger load factor, could also reduce current emissions levels.
  • The research was financially supported by KAPSARC and has been peer-reviewed.
  • The study's findings have implications for the aviation industry and policymakers looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Statistics:

  • 84.74 g CO2eq/MJ: mean Well-To-Wake GHG emissions of jet fuel production and consumption in the KSA.
  • 4.79%: percentage reduction in Well-To-Wake GHG emissions compared to the default emission factor for conventional jet fuel.
  • 5.79%: percentage increase in Well-To-Wake GHG emissions compared to the threshold established for Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel.
  • 13.8%: percentage contribution of Well-To-Tank activities to total emissions.
  • 80.9 g CO2eq/MJ: threshold established for Lower-Carbon Aviation Fuel.
  • 89 g CO2eq/MJ: default emission factor for conventional jet fuel.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from Autonomous University Yucatan Report Findings in Global Warming and Climate Change (Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Jet Fuel Production and Consumption In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Global Warming Focus. October 20, 2025; p 633.
  • Energy. Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Jet Fuel Production and Consumption In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 2025; 334.