Bangchak Group has recently unveiled a groundbreaking cornerstone in Thailand’s push for sustainable aviation—its brand new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production Unit nestled in the vibrant heart of Phra Khanong at the Bangchak Refinery. With the wave of a green flag, this installation marks a monumental achievement: the creation of Thailand’s inaugural facility dedicated exclusively to whipping up 100% Neat SAF. This sustainable marvel is operated by BSGF Company Limited, a key player in the Bangchak Group’s robust line-up, showcasing the Group’s steadfast dedication to green innovation and energy transformation. As Bangchak charges ahead as a renewable energy leader, it boldly steps onto the stage as a vanguard for future energy solutions.
Imagine a fully integrated standalone crown jewel gleaming amidst the bustling refinery landscape—this SAF production facility is Thailand’s first of its kind. It stands as a testament to Bangchak’s commitment, managing the entire value chain under the meticulous gaze of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme. With production capacity revved up to a stunning 1 million liters per day, the facility employs cutting-edge Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology. Transforming oft-neglected contributors like fatty acids and vegetable oils, including good old used cooking oil, this technology breathes new life into them, converting them into top-tier SAF ready to ruffle the aviation fuel market.
Crucial to the operation’s brilliance is its strategic partnership with global masterminds: Desmet from Belgium, a wizard in pretreatment technologies, pairs up with the American dynamo, UOP Honeywell, known for its prowess in hydroprocessing systems. Together, they orchestrate a symphony of quality that resonates throughout the production stages—whether it’s about managing the unruly feedstock or ensuring the hydrogenation, molecular restructuring, and fractionation dance to a harmonious tune. The result? SAF that doesn’t just cross the finish line of ASTM aviation fuel standards, it ascends the podium.
But what good is innovation if its benefits don’t reach far and wide? The aviation sector, as echoed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is responsible for launching a staggering 492 million tonnes of CO₂ skywards each year, despite gobbling up just 2.9% of the world’s energy smorgasbord. With SAF, however, the skies look clearer and the prospects brighter. Capable of slicing aviation emissions by up to a stunning 80%, SAF is increasingly the ace in the hole for the globe’s decarbonization strategy. Ready to rewrite the future, many nations have already set their blending mandates soaring, from the EU’s 6% target by 2030 to the UK’s bold leap to 10% by the same year. Quick on its heels, Thailand is contemplating a similar strategic move.
The triumph of SAF isn’t limited to just pulling carbon from its seat in the aviation sector; it’s set to stage a coup in air quality too. SAF boasts a recipe with almost non-existent aromatic compounds that we know are lurking health hazards, like the sinister cancer-inducing kind, along with impressively low sulphur levels. This translates not just to cleaner engines, but also to dwindling PM2.5 emissions and a diminished threat of acid rain, sprinkling hope for a fresher tomorrow.
Bangchak’s journey is one sprinkled with pioneering grit and vision, tracing its roots back to 2000 when it first romanced the notion of renewable energy with the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard. Their early courtship saw the design and operation of a biodiesel plant using simple used cooking oil. Fast forward a few years, and by 2004, they were announcing Thailand’s first commercial biodiesel at Bangchak’s service stations, a first of many more renewable triumphs to follow. Cue 2008: Bangchak spice things up a notch with a buy-back program for used oil—solidifying its standing as a national titan in the renewable energy space.
And now, the time is ripe for Bangchak to promenade into the promising realm of sustainable aviation with Neat SAF, setting in stone its commitment to sustainability through every avenue of its supply chain. Through the delightful “Fry to Fly” campaign, individuals can transform kitchen cast-offs into a valuable asset, selling used cooking oil at more than 290 Bangchak stations today, with ambitions to soar to 2,000 stations by 2025’s handshake farewell. Partnerships are in the fryer’s pipeline, uniting public with private, to ensure the feedstock supply never wanes. Add to this their plans for a dazzling Book & Claim system; soon passengers and airlines alike can share in the sustainable bounty through verified carbon reduction credits, catapulting the aviation industry collectively towards a greener horizon that’s no longer just a dream, but an imminent reality.
This is such an incredible step forward for Thailand! Imagine the positive impact on our planet with reduced carbon emissions from aviation.
I don’t know… It sounds good in theory, but is it going to be accessible and affordable for airlines and consumers?
That’s a valid concern, but with more countries adopting SAF, costs could decrease over time, making it more feasible.
Will the demand for feedstock like used cooking oil drive up costs for ordinary folks? We’ve seen it with electric cars and other green tech.
Great point, Olivia, but Bangchak’s focus on partnerships suggests they’re proactive about maintaining a steady supply without hurting consumers.
People could make money by selling their used cooking oil. It’s a great way to recycle what would otherwise be waste.
Thrilled to see innovative tech like HEFA being embraced. It’s a game-changer for sustainable energy sectors globally.
Agreed, Sam. But are the production methods themselves environmentally friendly, or are we just shifting pollution elsewhere?
The ISCC certification should ensure that the environmental impact is minimized at all stages.
The ‘Fry to Fly’ campaign is such a clever idea! Turning waste into a resource is genius.
Absolutely, Grace. This could inspire other sectors to find creative solutions for waste.
But will people actually bother collecting their used oil for this? Sounds like a hassle.
With SAF cutting CO₂ emissions significantly, shouldn’t more countries fast-track similar initiatives before it’s too late?
As a student pilot, this makes me hopeful for a career in a more sustainable industry.
The environmental benefits are clear, but is the aviation industry really committed to adopting SAF on a large scale?
Some airlines are setting targets for SAF use, but it’s a slow process. Common targets boost the likelihood industry-wide.
True, it will likely take policy intervention and incentives to really get full industry buy-in.
The partnership with international experts like Desmet and UOP Honeywell is reassuring. It shows a commitment to quality and efficiency.
A bit skeptical here, are traditional fuel companies really going to support this, or are they in for a rude awakening?
Why not make these SAF facilities widespread worldwide? The sooner, the better!
While it’s great for aviation, what about other industries? Could SAF be adapted for shipping or rail?
The environmental impact of aviation is enormous. It’s about time we see big steps like this!
Will using SAF affect ticket prices? I can’t afford flights as it is.
It’s truly inspiring, but transparency is key. How will they ensure lasting improvements and not just short-term gains?