PTT Global Chemical (GC) Plc, the petrochemical division of Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is set to make its entry into the sustainable aviation fuel market in Thailand, with plans to begin production of the biofuel for aircraft in 2025. This move aligns with global initiatives to cut carbon dioxide emissions, reported Bangkok Post.
In a related development, Bangchak Corporation has also announced plans to produce SAF by 2025. SAF, derived from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, offers a viable alternative to conventional jet fuel, as it shares similar properties while boasting a significantly lower carbon footprint.
As per the media report, GC is preparing to conduct trial production of SAF from used cooking oil in December, with commercial operations slated to begin next year, according to GC President Toasaporn Boonyapipat. The company aims to produce 500,000 liters of SAF each month, utilizing approximately 1,700 tonnes of used cooking oil monthly.
Toasaporn noted that the domestic supply of used cooking oil should meet production needs, but if necessary, the company will collaborate with partners in Japan and Singapore to secure additional supplies.
GC is also exploring other feedstocks, particularly ethanol from sugar and cassava, for SAF production.
The push for biofuels, including gasohol and SAF, is projected to attract nearly 114 billion baht in new investments in Thailand’s oil sector over the next 13 years, as part of a transition towards cleaner fuels for transportation. This initiative is part of the newly revised oil plan set to be implemented from 2024 to 2037.
Similarly, Bangchak is advancing its SAF project, intending to deliver SAF through pipelines to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Group CEO Chaiwat Kovavisarach emphasized that the SAF initiative supports the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, in line with the International Air Transport Association’s “Fly Net Zero” campaign.
SAF will be blended with Jet-A1 fuel for commercial aircraft operations Bangchak is developing an SAF production facility adjacent to its oil refinery in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district, under a revised budget of 8.5 billion baht, down from an initial estimate of 10 billion baht. The facility is expected to produce up to 1 million liters of SAF per day, with commercial operations targeted for the second quarter of 2025.
