What is the significance of Idemitsu Kosan's SAF project?
"In the larger context of society, we must reduce CO₂ emissions. At the same time, social development is also essential. Next-generation energy sources such as SAF and synthetic fuel that can achieve both are attracting attention, and we are confident that because we have supplied large amounts of energy, we can put these technologies into practical provide for society."
SAF projects are expected to be the closest to social implementation.
"We are conducting our business with the determination to lead the way in realizing carbon neutrality society. As a part of the social infrastructure that supplies the fuels and materials necessary for daily life, we must provide the world with products and services that reduce the environmental burden. I believe that we need to respond to the needs of society and change ourselves to meet those needs."
Strengths that can be utilized to achieve carbon neutrality
"Our goal is to achieve carbon neutrality for emissions from our own operations by 2050. In addition, we will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality for the world as a whole by providing decarbonization products and schemes. One milestone on that path is to achieve our goal of 'establishing a domestic SAF supply system with an annual capacity of 500,000 kL by 2030,' and we are working to promote the SAF project as an important measure."
Idemitsu Kosan, which has long supported energy infrastructure in Japan, is seen as one of the companies leading the domestic SAF manufacturing and supply business.
"Our company already has a supply network for the production, transportation, and sales of jet fuel. Although SAF needs to build new raw material procurement and manufacturing operations, a major advantage is that it can utilize existing networks for transportation and sales supply chains. In addition, neat SAF *5 cannot be made into a product on its own; it needs to be mixed with fossil-derived jet fuel to turn it into product SAF. We believe that our knowledge as a manufacturer and seller of fossil-derived jet fuel will also be able to be utilized in the quality control and quality assurance of product SAF."
- 5. Jet fuel produced from biomass feedstocks, etc.
The challenge of introducing new energy sources
There are significant differences between the raw materials and manufacturing processes used for SAF and those used with conventional fossil fuels. What kind of difficulties and new challenges does this pose?
"The main flow of the oil refining process is to procure crude oil produced in the Middle East and elsewhere, refine it, and turn it into a product. However, with SAF, we must always consider reducing the environmental impact. The raw materials are recycled from materials that would previously have been discarded, such as used cooking oil and animal fats. Not only that, but CO2 emissions are counted throughout the entire flow, from the process leading up to the completion of the raw materials, transportation to Refineries/Complexes, the manufacturing process, and delivery to the customer. We need to consider not only costs but also the energy input."
How does it feel for you personally to be involved in a project that addresses a global issue?
"Having a clear understanding of how your work is useful allows you to work proactively and makes your work more rewarding. Recently, SAF has been featured in general news, and I feel that there is a growing social need for it. The other day, my daughter, who is in elementary school, was answering a written question that described the transition to decarbonization and renewable energy. It made me realize that my work is related to global issues and is an initiative that will connect to the next generation."
Carbon Neutral Transformation Department
