Bioaviation-SAF Production, Pertamina Refinery Supports Carbon Emission Reduction

Jakarta, October 12, 2023 - Pertamina, through PT Pertamina International Refinery (KPI), fully supports the government's efforts to accelerate the new and renewable energy (NRE) implementation to achieving the NRE energy mix target of 23% by 2025 and a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Green Refinery is a strategic initiative by Pertamina to achieve the NRE energy mix target and produce more environmentally friendly fuels using renewable feedstock.

As one of the business entities responsible for providing energy, including jet fuel (avtur), KPI is committed to producing high-quality avtur that meets international standards and domestic regulations through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) development at the Cilacap Refinery.

The Bioaviation-SAF production is processed through Co-Processing Ester and Fatty Acid (HEFA), which complies with international standards such as Avtur ASTM D 1655, Defstan 91-91 latest issued, and SK Dirjen Migas No.59 K Year 2022. In addition, the Bioaviation-SAF produced by Pertamina's refinery also meets global criteria, including CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) by the International Civil Aviation Organization, RefuelEU/Fit55 by the European Union, EU/UK Emission Trading, and Tax Credit IRA USA. Each of these frameworks has stringent requirements regarding feedstock sustainability, production processes, and the development of Bioaviation-SAF in Indonesia must involve all stakeholders and align with the available resources in Indonesia, such as feedstock.

Taufik Aditiyawarman, the President Director of KPI, states that Bioaviation-SAF innovation is KPI's response to the challenges and market demand for renewable jet fuel, aligning with the government's commitment to achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) targets.

"One of the most significant factors in reducing CO2 emissions in civil aviation is aviation fuel, specifically Bioaviation-SAF. KPI addresses this challenge by conducting a capability development series, know-how, research, and commercial production trials at existing production facilities," Taufik said.

Bioaviation-SAF has successfully passed Ground Round and Flight Test SAF on CFM56-7B jet engines at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Tangerang, Banten (4/10). It demonstrates KPI's determination to be a first mover in providing Bioaviation-SAF in the regional area. Currently, KPI is the only entity in the Southeast Asian region that has succeeded in commercial Bioaviation production and flight tests.

Previously, Bioaviation J 2.4 was tested at the TDHT/Green Refinery RU IV from 2020 to 2021 for testing on a Military-registered CN 235 aircraft. It continues in 2023 as a production trial for Garuda commercial aircraft flight testing purposes.

"KPI has reaffirmed its commitment to being a leader and pioneer in the development of drop-in renewable fuel, particularly Bioaviation-SAF, which is the answer to decarbonizing the hard-to-abate civil aviation sector," Taufik added.

Through collaboration with all stakeholders, KPI believes that SAF products could be marketed as a solution for decarbonizing the aviation industry.

Pertamina's success in the Ground Test and Flight Test could not achieved without the collaboration of the Pertamina Group, Research & Technology Innovation (RTI), Pertamina International Refinery (KPI), Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN), along with the Directorate General of EBTKE of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Transportation, ITB, APROBI (Indonesian Biofuel Producers Association), BPDPKS (Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency), LEMIGAS, BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency), Garuda Indonesia, and Garuda Facility Maintenance, who have closely monitored the SAF product testing process.

Bioaviation-SAF is relatively more expensive than fossil avtur due to its status as a commodity product. However, Bioaviation-SAF also has the advantage of lower Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Therefore, it requires policies and cross-sector collaboration to commercialize this product.

Taufik added, "This development demonstrates Pertamina Refinery's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Number 7, 'Affordable and Clean Energy,' and is in line with Pertamina Refinery's commitment to ensuring national energy security and supporting Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2060."

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**