As a specific measure to reduce CO2 emissions in the aviation industry, there is a growing social demand to achieve a stable supply of SAF. SAF is produced from non-fossil derived raw materials, but one of the challenges is to secure raw materials that are less competitive with food crops. Through this agreement, the two companies will utilise Idemitsu Kosan’s petroleum product manufacturing technology, LOPS’ knowledge of animal and vegetable oils and fats, and their respective supply chains to procure SAF feedstocks such as waste cooking oil in Japan, study optimisation and cost reduction of storage and marine and land transport, and establish a system and structure for stable procurement.
Idemitsu Kosan is working to establish a domestic SAF production system of 500 000 KL/yr to achieve the Japanese government and aviation industry’s goal of replacing 10% of fuel consumption by Japanese airlines with SAF by 2030. To this end, in addition to demonstration using ATJ*1 technology at the Chiba Complex, Idemitsu Kosan are also considering deployment of HEFA*2 technology for Unit 2 and beyond, with the aim of starting supply in the late 2020s.
Through this agreement, the two companies will contribute to the decarbonisation of aviation fuel as they engage in the issues involved in securing SAF feedstock.