Idemitsu Kosan, Terviva, and Stanmore Launch Pongamia Demonstration Project to Support Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development

Brisbane, Australia – June 2025 — In a major step toward a more sustainable energy future, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. has launched a pioneering afforestation and research collaboration with Terviva, Inc. a U.S.-based agricultural innovation company specializing in Pongamia cultivation, and Stanmore Resources Limited, a leading Australian resource company. The trilateral initiative aims to explore the potential of Terviva’s Elite Pongamia as a next-generation feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF ), as well as for other renewable products including livestock feed, renewable diesel and carbon credits.
As part of its long-term strategy to secure scalable and cost-effective SAF raw materials, Idemitsu began planning the demonstration project in 2024. Pongamia, a legume tree unsuitable for human consumption, holds unique promise thanks to its ability to grow on degraded land, capture carbon, and generate high-value oil and protein.

The first planting phase commenced in May 2025 on previously uncultivated land surrounding Stanmore’s South Walker Creek coal mine in central Queensland. Despite earlier weather-related delays, the site has now been prepared with irrigation infrastructure and is hosting early-stage Pongamia trials.

Consul General Ishikawa (second from left) and top-level executives from three companies

“The afforestation project aimed at securing SAF raw materials is a new frontier for Idemitsu Kosan,” said Mr. Funaki, Project Leader at Idemitsu. “Seeing the first Pongamia trees planted reinforces the importance of this work. While the demonstration phase may bring challenges, our shared goal is clear: commercial cultivation of Pongamia to support the decarbonisation of Japan and beyond.”

Project members from the three companies gather for a commemorative ceremony

Over the multi-year demonstration, the partnership will evaluate Pongamia’s growth, yield, and land compatibility by dividing the trial area into distinct zones based on varying site conditions such as irrigation volumes and tree spacing. Insights gained from these trials will guide scalable cultivation strategies and inform commercial rollout.
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“We’re excited to launch this collaboration between Idemitsu, Stanmore, and Terviva to explore how Terviva Elite Pongamia cultivars can support mine site decarbonisation, land regeneration, and long-term SAF production,” said Carlo van Dee, Senior Director of Global Tree Propagation at Terviva. “This pilot is a key step toward scalable, sustainable Pongamia cultivation on underutilised land in Australia and beyond.”

“This project demonstrates how mining land can be transitioned into productive, climate-positive landscapes,” added Damian Zagel, Chief Development Officer at Stanmore. “Pongamia could play a significant role in both site rehabilitation and supporting Stanmore's decarbonisation initiatives.”
A kickoff ceremony was held at the Official residence of the Consul-General of Japan, marking the official start of this groundbreaking collaboration. The initiative highlights the growing synergy between Japan and Australia in promoting decarbonisation, resource recovery, and sustainable land use.

Large demonstration site

As global demand for SAF continues to grow, Idemitsu is taking a proactive role in developing the supply chains and partnerships necessary to meet international climate targets — establishing Pongamia as a promising link between sustainable energy and responsible land stewardship.