Incorporating sustainable aviation fuels at the Anchorage airport
ACEP summer intern Liam Chelkowski presents his work on Sustainable Aviation Fuels analysis.
August 23, 2024
ACEP summer intern Liam Chelkowski worked on a comprehensive analysis of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, or SAFs, and their implementation at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport under the guidance of Gwen Holdmann and Magnus de Witt.
During his 10-week internship, Chelkowski examined production, cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of SAFs. He also developed a carbon dioxide emissions calculator to track real-time movements of cargo and commercial airlines at the airport. This tool accurately determines the resulting carbon emissions and identifies origin hotspots, which help in formulating strategies for reducing the airport's overall carbon footprint.
His analysis indicates that the implementation of SAFs at the Anchorage airport can significantly decrease the environmental impact of air travel. This finding addresses the critical issue of reducing carbon emissions from aviation, which is vital for combating climate change, as air travel is a major transportation mode in Alaska.
This effort not only enhances the state's environmental sustainability but also positions Alaska as a leader in innovative and green aviation solutions, which has environmental and economic advantages. This initiative could potentially pave the way for broader adoption of SAFs, further reducing global carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner, healthier future.
A Florida native and an incoming sophomore majoring in chemical engineering with minors in business and data science at Cornell University, Chelkowski had previously worked on a project with a European startup that manufactures electric aircrafts. He helped them comply with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive regulations, which are now ubiquitous throughout Europe. This initial project sparked his interest in the policy side of renewable energy projects, leading him to ACEP.
Through the ACEP internship, Chelkowski gained invaluable hands-on experience in sustainable aviation and environmental impact analysis. The SAF project showed him the practicality of integrating renewable solutions into existing systems.
“These fuels are not just theoretically viable; they are being tested and used in real-world applications, proving their feasibility and effectiveness,” he said.
For Chelkowski, working closely with his mentors was a transformative experience.
“They provided me with insights into the complexities of implementing innovative solutions in real-world scenarios,” he said.
Chelkowski enjoys his time off at Denali National Park.
He also appreciates the professional development opportunities presented through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, which enabled him to participate in workshops and seminars that have broadened his understanding of sustainability, technology and the workplace.
He finds that the focus on continuous learning and professional growth has been evident throughout the summer.
“This focus enabled me to develop both technical skills and a deeper appreciation for the role of sustainability in aviation and beyond,” he said.
This internship is funded by the National Science Foundation through ACEP’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. View the final presentation for this project on ACEP’s YouTube Channel. For more information on this project, please contact Gwen Holdmann at gwen.holdmann@alaska.edu.