State-owned energy company PT Pertamina is set to introduce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from used cooking oil (UCO), marking a significant step in promoting renewable energy and enhancing aviation sustainability.
The SAF will be produced using the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) method, which converts UCO into aviation fuel that is compatible with existing infrastructure.
Oki Muraza, Senior Vice President of Research & Technology Innovation at Pertamina, announced that the commercial rollout of SAF is expected in the first quarter of 2024. He added, “SAF will undergo testing in a joy flight with Pelita Air, a subsidiary of the Pertamina Group,” as stated in a press release on Monday, November 18, 2024.
The initiative starts with collecting UCO from households, restaurants, and food processing industries. Indonesia has the potential to collect up to 1.24 million kiloliters of UCO annually. However, Oki acknowledged some challenges, including the lack of public awareness about UCO collection and the scattered nature of its sources.
In preparation for the market launch, Pertamina has already begun a pre-marketing program in Bali. During the Bali Air Show in September 2024, the SAF was shown to reduce emissions by 84% for the participating airlines.
To scale up production, Pertamina plans to increase UCO collection from 0.3 million tons in 2023 to 1.5 million tons by 2030. Riva Siahaan, CEO of Pertamina’s commercial and trading subholding PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, emphasized that the success of SAF production depends on technological advancements, supportive regulations, government incentives, and public-private sector collaboration.
The Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) is currently drafting regulations to support SAF development. Nizhar Marizi, Director of Energy, Mineral, and Mining Resources at the Ministry, explained that these regulations will address challenges such as UCO export quotas, tariffs, and collection management. “Effective regulations are crucial to ensure the quality and quantity of UCO as a reliable feedstock for SAF production,” Nizhar stated on November 18, 2024.
This initiative highlights Indonesia’s commitment to reducing aviation emissions and fostering sustainable energy practices, paving the way for further innovations in renewable energy.
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