- Sustainable aviation fuel is an alternative to fossil-based jet fuel made by refining used cooking oil and waste animal fat.
- Finland-based renewable fuel company Neste has the largest refinery for SAF production in Singapore.
- Neste’s Vice President explains how this innovation will impact aviation and climate change.
- This article is part of our Business for Good series, which highlights business leaders and companies driving meaningful change from Singapore.
Chris Leboutilier is a journalist and content creator who has worked across Asia for 25 years. He is currently based in Singapore and is a trusted resource for our company on innovative projects being developed in one of the world’s most advanced and forward-thinking business hubs.
In November 2023, Virgin Atlantic Flight 100 from London to New York City will be the first in history to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from used cooking oil and waste animal fat. It left its mark on history as the first aircraft of its kind. Just a few days ago, an Emirates A380 demonstration flight also used SAF, developed by Finnish company Neste, to power one of its four engines.
Coincidentally, the world’s largest SAF producing refinery, operated by Neste, is located in Tuas, Singapore, where I live. I was first introduced to the company in his 2022 as part of another mission, but given recent flights successfully using the SAF, I had no idea what was going on at the refinery. I thought this would be a good opportunity to check it out.
I learned how Neste turns used tempura oil (the oil you use to cook buffalo wings and fries) into fuel that actually powers jet engines and could shape our future. To better understand what’s changing, we spoke to Sami Jauhiainen, Neste’s Vice President of Renewable Aviation. Air travel.
The need for sustainable aviation
“Aviation and the global connectivity it provides provide invaluable benefits for businesses and society,” Jauhiainen said. “But the aviation industry and all of us who fly need to take responsibility for our emissions.”
Sami Jauhiainen, APAC vice president of renewable aviation at Neste.
neste
In fact, a recent study found that civil aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Studies have shown that using SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to using traditional fossil jet fuel. Neste is also in a position to lead by example due to its position as the world’s largest producer of SAF.
Jauhiainen said: “Neste continues to inform stakeholders about the SAF, its importance to aviation and the fight against climate change.” “This includes not only airlines and airports, but also governments, as well as businesses and individual travelers.”
Creating SAF begins by sourcing used cooking oil and waste animal fat from around the world and transporting them to Singapore by ship. Neste first removes impurities through a pre-treatment process, then he converts the fats and oils into the final product, Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, through a proprietary process called NEXBTL technology. Current ASTM standards allow mixing up to 50% SAF with conventional jet fuel, but test flights demonstrated that running on 100% SAF is completely safe. .
Improving SAF production capacity
Currently, SAF accounts for only 0.2% of total jet fuel consumption, but as governments increasingly introduce supportive policies and voluntary demand increases, global SAF demand is expected to increase by 2030. Jauhiainen expects it to be around 15 million tonnes. “The need for SAF production is clear. The scale is increasing significantly and Neste is leading the way.”
In 2023, Neste opened an APAC Innovation Center in Singapore to strengthen its global capabilities in innovation, research and development.
These types of investments are enabling us to expand and increase the production capacity of Neste’s existing refinery in Singapore. Currently, Neste is considered to have the world’s largest production capacity of SAF with annual production of 1 million tons.
Further expansion efforts at Neste’s renewable energy refinery in the Netherlands are expected to increase production capacity to a whopping 2.2 million tonnes by 2026.
Why Singapore is the right place for SAF
The fact that Singapore, a city-state with no natural resources, was chosen as the site for Neste’s largest SAF refinery is evidence of its connectivity. Singapore not only has easy access to raw materials by sea, but is also a major aviation hub in Asia. -Pacific region—a fairly significant status given the likely future demand for his SAF at Changi Airport.
Mr Jauhiainen said: “Singapore is an ideal location to promote access and uptake of SAF as Singapore Airlines is the leading international domestic airline and many visiting airlines fly to Changi.” Stated.
These factors have contributed to the country’s position as a leader in accelerating the transition to sustainable aviation, and several developments are already underway.
- In May 2023, Neste announced an integrated supply chain linking its refinery directly to Singapore’s Changi Airport.
- Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary Scoot recently conducted a 20-month trial of SAF powered by Neste. The results showed that the company is ready to incorporate renewable fuels into its fuel mix.
- Neste has supplied renewable fuel to more than 70 customers around the world, including major airlines such as United Airlines, Air France KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and All Nippon Airways.
- The Asia Pacific Airlines Association (AAPA), made up of 14 member airlines including Singapore Airlines, has committed to using up to 5% SAF by 2030.
- In 2024, Singapore plans to launch the Singapore Sustainable Hub Blueprint with the aim of strengthening the SAF market.
The move towards SAF will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the future of air travel. And for Jauhianen, the motivation isn’t just business reasons.
“As a father of three young children, I strongly believe that we must act now to create a healthier planet for future generations,” he said. “The impacts of climate change are undeniable and there is no time for inaction.”
He added that working at Neste gave him the opportunity to find “a clear purpose” in his work.
“I have enjoyed Neste’s culture of collaboration,” he said. “So what I loved was doing meaningful work with colleagues who were all committed to the same purpose.”
Find out why so many are partnering with Singapore to drive meaningful change.
This post was created by Insider Studios and Singapore Economic Development Board.