SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)

An abbreviation for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a general term for aviation fuel produced from raw materials other than petroleum. Compared to petroleum-derived aviation fuel, CO₂ emissions can be significantly reduced throughout the entire product life cycle, from raw material manufacturing to product use. There are multiple raw materials and manufacturing technologies, such as ATJ (Alcohol to Jet) and HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids: a technology that produces SAF by hydrotreating used cooking oil and other fats and oils).

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which Japan is a member, has introduced CORSIA ^(※2) in 2021 as one of its global GHG ^(※1) reduction targets. CORSIA is a scheme that requires airlines to purchase emission rights for any amount exceeding the baseline CO2 emissions from international flights in 2019. The scope of implementation will be gradually expanded, and is scheduled to apply to all ICAO member states in 2027. As a result, the global market size of SAF, which is one of the means of decarbonizing the aviation industry, is expected to expand.
In Japan, the government and aviation industry have set a goal of replacing 10% of fuel use by domestic airlines (approximately 1.7 million kL) with SAF by 2030.

^{*1 Greenhouse gas:
*2 Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation}

To contribute to achieving this goal, we are working to build a domestic supply system for SAF of 500,000 kL/year in 2030. The manufacturing technology for SAF has been developed and established in recent years, and some of it can be applied to the manufacturing processes and knowledge of Idemitsu Kosan's petroleum and petrochemical businesses. In addition, our existing facilities and networks can be utilized for transportation, storage, and supply. Our knowledge can also be utilized for quality control and quality assurance throughout the supply chain.
Aircraft are an indispensable means of travel and transportation not only domestically but also internationally. As a company that has been supplying fuel to aircraft, we believe that we have a mission to contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation industry through the stable production and supply of SAF.

Toward a domestic supply of SAF, we are considering production at our Group Refineries/Complexes as follows:

・Chiba Complex
Demonstration of production using ATJ (Alcohol to Jet: a technology for producing SAF from ethanol)
Supply starts in 2028 (100,000 kL/year)

・ Tokuyama Complex
HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids: Used edible oil and other fats and oils are hydrogenated and processed.
(Technology for producing SAF)
Supply starts in 2028 (250,000 kL/year)

We are also working steadily to secure stable and efficient raw materials, and for ethanol we are developing overseas suppliers and securing transportation routes. As for used edible oil, we are considering building a stable procurement system in collaboration with LOPS Corporation, which is developing an oil and fat business.

^{*As of November 13, 2024}