PTT Global Chemical Public Company Ltd (GC), a company in Thailand’s integrated chemical industry, has announced the launch of the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the country, elevating the energy and chemical industries with biochemical innovation.
This achievement reflects GC’s vision to create “Difference through Sustainable Innovation”, aiming to become a global leader in integrated chemical products of the future through the development of environmentally friendly products, along with sustainable business growth, in line with the goal of achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
GC's SAF production leverages its expertise in refining and advanced chemicals to create clean energy innovations for the aviation industry. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, it also adds value to agricultural raw materials and domestic waste, and promotes Thailand's potential to become a low-carbon aviation hub in the ASEAN region.
Tossaporn Boonyapipat, President of GC, said: “Today’s official commercial production of SAF is ready to support the rapidly expanding demand for renewable energy in Thailand’s commercial aviation industry, which places importance on the adoption of sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. GC’s SAF has been certified with the ISCC CORSIA (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification – Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), an international standard accepted in the aviation industry for sustainability certification, and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared to the use of conventional jet fuel (based on the ISCC CORSIA certification standard). In addition, GC has also been certified with the ISCC Plus (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus) standard, which focuses on the use of bio-based and renewable raw materials in sustainable product development. GC has developed more than 10 high-value bio-based products to meet the demands of environmentally conscious markets in various industries, such as the sustainable packaging industry, the automotive industry, and the textile industry, confirming our commitment to operating under the highest sustainability framework.”
Market challenges
The demand for SAF is growing rapidly due to the increasing environmental awareness of the commercial aviation industry and the establishment of a regulatory framework that supports the continued use of renewable energy.
GC has prepared to meet this challenge and opportunity with three key strengths: modern infrastructure, personnel with expertise in oil refining, and efficient raw material management by using domestic used vegetable oil to produce commercial SAF.
In addition, GC has also established strategic partnerships with key partners in the aviation industry, which will enable GC to maintain its SAF market share and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the commercial aviation and energy industries.
Key features of biorefinery
- High-efficiency production innovation: In the first phase, GC plans to produce 6 million lpy of SAF, using used vegetable oil as the main raw material, and plans to expand production to 24 million lpy in the future. By using technology to improve the existing refinery, it can save investment compared to building a new plant, reflecting the commitment to expand bioenergy production capacity to support sustainable growth (adding to the low investment).
- Strategic partnerships: GC’s collaboration with key partners OR and Thai Airways to deploy SAF on both domestic and international flights is an important step in developing a comprehensive distribution network across the region and setting new standards for the environmentally friendly aviation industry.
- Expanding into high-value products: GC has developed chemicals and bio-based products that address a variety of key industries, including sustainable packaging, automotive parts, electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals, with a focus on adding value to domestic agricultural raw materials to meet the demands of an environmentally-conscious market.
- Economic and environmental impact: The investment in this project will not only help strengthen the country's energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector, but also open up new business opportunities in the low-carbon industry, while supporting farmers and local communities by adding value to agricultural products, reinforcing GC's role as a leader in innovation for the country's sustainability.
Future growth plans
- Expanding production capacity of chemicals and bio-based products using renewable energy and investing in sustainable technologies to support the increasing demand in the future chemical and bio-based product market, reducing GHG emissions and increasing production efficiency in the long term.
- Strengthen cooperation with strategic partners both domestically and internationally to strengthen and expand the market base, including working with organisations with expertise in biotechnology and renewable energy to drive the development and expansion of sustainable product markets.
- Develop and promote sustainability in the supply chain, from the selection of sustainable bio-sources to product distribution, to make the production process of chemicals and bio-products more sustainable, both environmentally and socially.
- Delivering end-to-end solutions for the industry sector, focusing on developing products and services that support the growth of various industries and reduce GHG emissions throughout the supply chain.
- To create a corporate image as a leader in sustainable chemical innovation by conducting business under the principles of social and environmental responsibility and good governance, and to build trust among consumers and shareholders in the long term.