Seoul: The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) and the Korea Biofuels Forum, hosted the 2026 Seoul Biofuels & Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Conference to promote ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel adoption in South Korea.
The conference brought together policymakers, refiners, airlines, researchers, fuel suppliers and energy industry representatives to discuss the role of ethanol and other biofuels in strengthening energy security, decarbonising the transport sector and advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to Ethanol Producer Magazine.
USGBC Director for South Korea Haksoo Kim said the organisation has been working with the Korean government to support wider ethanol adoption and preparations for the country’s planned SAF blending mandate, which is scheduled to take effect in 2030.
“By highlighting the carbon reduction benefits, economic viability and efficiency of ethanol, we can help policymakers and industry accelerate its adoption and expand its use,” Kim said.
The conference featured discussions on global ethanol policies, market opportunities for alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology and airline strategies for procuring sustainable aviation fuel.
Participants also explored the potential of sustainable marine fuel (SMF) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reviewed biofuel policy developments in Japan and South Korea.
USGBC Vice President Cary Sifferath said increasing geopolitical uncertainties and energy security concerns had strengthened the case for greater ethanol use in the transportation sector.
“The strong participation from industry stakeholders and media reflects South Korea’s growing interest in biofuels. As an important export market for U.S. agriculture, strengthening the position of U.S. ethanol in South Korea is a natural next step in our long-standing trade relationship,” he said.
The conference is part of the USGBC’s broader efforts to expand international demand for U.S. ethanol and support the development of low-carbon fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel, across Asian markets.
