The proposed plant is expected to have a planned production capacity of up to 100 000 tpy of SAF, subject to final investment decision and regulatory approvals.
Under the agreement, Keppel and Aster will carry out front-end engineering design (FEED) studies for the proposed facility, which will use EtJ technology to convert low-carbon ethanol into SAF. The FEED will evaluate the technical configuration, project CAPEX, and potential financing and offtake structures needed to reach final investment decision. A prior feasibility study has been completed to validate the technical and commercial viability of the facility’s SAF production.
The project is envisioned to be one of Asia’s first purpose-built EtJ SAF facilities, supporting both Singapore’s national SAF target and the growing needs of regional airlines. The EtJ pathway will enable the proposed facility to draw on a range of bioethanol feedstocks, while retaining flexibility to adapt as regional bioethanol markets evolve.
Through close coordination with agencies including the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), the proposed facility is aligned with Singapore’s ambition to become a leading SAF hub in Asia and supports ongoing efforts to decarbonise Singapore’s aviation ecosystem. By locating production on Jurong Island, the project can leverage existing industrial infrastructure and logistics, while creating new opportunities for sustainable fuels in the region.
Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel’s Infrastructure Division, commented: “SAF is one of the most practical and impactful levers available today to decarbonise air travel, and demand from airlines and passengers is growing rapidly. Keppel is pleased to partner Aster on this commercial-scale EtJ SAF project on Jurong Island, supporting Singapore’s ambitions to be a leading SAF hub in Asia. By combining Aster’s refining and chemical expertise with Keppel’s capabilities in developing, integrating and operating complex energy and environmental assets, this project aims to deliver a bankable, scalable end-to-end solution to produce SAF close to where airlines need it. We look forward to working closely with regulators, offtakers, and other ecosystem partners to accelerate the adoption of SAF in the region and support the broader net-zero transition.”
The abovementioned development is not expected to have any material impact on the net tangible assets per share or earnings per share of Keppel for the current financial year.