Author Archives: biofuels

Ireland Launches First Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap

On August 21, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, officially launched the country’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Policy Roadmap, delivering on a key commitment in the government program. This roadmap is seen as an important milestone in driving Ireland’s aviation sector toward a greener transition.

Aviation remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize, and the development and deployment of SAF is considered a critical tool in reducing emissions. To support the roadmap’s preparation, the Department of Transport established a SAF Taskforce in December 2023, bringing together government, industry, and other stakeholders to shape the policy framework and its implementation.

The roadmap highlights the strategic role of SAF in Ireland while identifying current opportunities and barriers, such as the feasibility of importing supply, the potential for future domestic production, and alignment with both national and EU policies. It sets out four policy pathways: market certainty, collaboration, supporting uptake, and supporting production. Each pathway outlines initial actions that will evolve alongside EU-level initiatives.

According to O’Brien, the roadmap provides a solid foundation for SAF deployment, ensuring Ireland’s aviation industry can balance sustainability with competitiveness.

Industry Implications

Airlines may face higher costs but will enhance their green competitiveness.
Fuel suppliers could benefit from near-term imports and future domestic production.
Investors should view this as a clear signal of Ireland’s energy transition, creating potential new opportunities.

EWABA Urges EU to Enforce Union Database to Curb Biofuel Fraud

The European Waste-based and Advanced Biofuels Association (EWABA) is pushing for the rapid adoption of the Union Database (UDB) to ensure the sustainability and traceability of biofuels across the EU. The database is designed to prevent fraudulent imports by recording every transaction from feedstock collection to final consumption. EWABA members have already completed two successful technical pilots involving biodiesel producers and waste collectors, confirming the system’s stability and reliability without major issues.

However, without binding targets and deadlines, the UDB risks limited effectiveness, leaving room for fraudulent practices that undermine fair competition and damage legitimate EU producers. While some member states have urged caution, the European Commission has emphasized that the system is already operational and requires mandatory use to achieve full traceability.

EWABA recommends an EU-wide coordinated plan to monitor participation, set a roadmap for improvements, and prioritize mandatory UDB implementation in mature liquid biofuel supply chains. Integration of national databases should not delay deployment, and coverage must extend to feedstock supply to prevent false data. EWABA stresses the urgency of clear implementation timelines, stronger enforcement, and immediate industry certainty to effectively combat fraud.

Indonesia Pressures EU to Scrap Biodiesel Duties After WTO Ruling

Indonesia has stepped up pressure on the European Union to immediately remove countervailing duties on biodiesel imports, following a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that sided with Jakarta on several key claims. The world’s largest palm oil exporter argued in its 2023 complaint that the EU’s tariffs, in place since 2019 at rates of 8% to 18%, violated global trade rules.

Last week, a WTO panel concluded that Indonesia’s export levies on palm oil could not be classified as subsidies and that the EU had failed to prove Indonesian biodiesel imports caused material harm to European producers. In response, Trade Minister Budi Santoso urged Brussels to withdraw the “non-compliant” measures without delay.

The dispute highlights years of tension between the two sides, ranging from duties on biodiesel to EU concerns about palm oil’s link to deforestation. Indonesia’s biodiesel exports to Europe have plummeted from 1.32 million kiloliters in 2019 to an expected 270,000 kiloliters in 2024. While Jakarta views the WTO decision as a victory, industry representatives remain cautious. Catra de Thouars of the Indonesian Biofuel Producers Association warned that the EU may resist full compliance, noting ongoing disputes over anti-deforestation rules.

The case comes as the EU and Indonesia move closer to finalizing a free trade agreement, which Jakarta hopes will secure wider market access for palm-based products. Although the WTO ruling can technically be appealed, the organization’s top appeals body has been paralyzed since 2019, making enforcement uncertain. For now, the spotlight is on whether Brussels will act—or prolong one of the most contentious trade battles in the biofuels sector.

WTO Ruling Backs Indonesia in Biodiesel Tariff Dispute with EU

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a ruling that supports Indonesia in its dispute with the European Union (EU) over countervailing duties on biodiesel imports. The case, initiated by Indonesia in 2023, challenged the EU’s decision to impose tariffs on biodiesel made from Indonesian palm oil, arguing that such measures violated WTO rules under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

In its findings, the WTO panel concluded that several of Indonesia’s claims were valid and recommended that the EU bring its measures into compliance with international trade obligations. The ruling carries significant weight, as the EU is the third-largest export destination for Indonesian palm oil products and a key market for its palm oil–based biodiesel. For Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, the decision represents a potential boost to its biodiesel exports and a step toward reducing trade barriers.

Indonesia’s Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto welcomed the ruling, noting that preparations are underway for its implementation, though he declined to provide further details. While the EU technically has the option to appeal, the WTO’s appellate body is currently non-functional, making a final resolution unlikely. This case not only highlights ongoing trade tensions between the EU and Indonesia but also underscores the challenges facing the multilateral trading system in resolving disputes amid institutional deadlock.

Vietnam’s First SAF Supply Takes Flight with Petrolimex

On August 15, Petrolimex and Petrolimex Aviation announced the official availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Nha Be Petroleum Depot in Ho Chi Minh City. At the same event, they signed a cooperation agreement on SAF consumption with Vietjet Aviation and Associated Energy Group LLC. The initiative is part of Petrolimex’s 70th anniversary celebrations and marks a milestone in Vietnam’s green aviation journey.

SAF is widely regarded as the most effective solution for reducing carbon emissions in aviation, helping the industry progress toward the global net-zero target by 2050. Petrolimex is the first company in Vietnam to import synthetic blending components (SBC) from renewable resources and to master SAF blending technology in line with international standards such as EI 1533, ASTM D7566, DEF STAN 91-091, and Vietnam’s TCVN 14414:2025.

Petrolimex Aviation has already supplied SAF to domestic commercial flights, demonstrating the practicality and readiness of green fuel in the Vietnamese market. Recognized as a flagship project for Petrolimex’s anniversary, the SAF blending system at Nha Be represents a significant step forward for sustainable aviation in Southeast Asia.

Lloyd’s Register: Marine Fuel Quality Remains Resilient in H1 2025

Lloyd’s Register’s latest FOBAS Fuel Insights report finds that despite growing fuel diversity and tighter environmental regulations, global marine fuel quality remained resilient in the first half of 2025. Improved testing, data sharing, and operational practices are helping shipowners adapt to cleaner blends and stricter sulfur limits.

FOBAS testing shows the vast majority of fuels meet specifications, with only 3.5% of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) samples deemed off-spec, and just 0.6% exceeding MARPOL Annex VI’s 0.50% sulfur limit. Stability results varied by port, while distillates continued to deliver predictable performance, making them the preferred choice for operations requiring higher quality assurance.

Sustainability and fuel diversity emerged as key trends. Ports such as Singapore, Algeciras, and Antwerp are seeing greater uptake of FAME-based biofuel blends, particularly B30 RF, supported by clearer guidance from MEPC 83 and ISO 8217:2024. No systemic operational issues have been reported.

The report also highlights the growing adoption of ASTM D240 bomb calorimetry for more accurate heat value measurement, enabling better fuel consumption forecasts, voyage planning, and cost control.

EU: Seven Bold Measures to Accelerate SAF Production and Break Free from Import Shackles

The European aviation and fuel industries have issued a unified call for the European Union to adopt seven critical measures to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce reliance on imports and advance the aviation sector’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

These measures address the pressing challenges of high costs, raw material shortages, and technological barriers, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the global low-carbon aviation transition.

First, the industry urges the EU to provide robust financial incentives, including tax breaks and subsidies, to close the significant price gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel, which currently costs several times more.

Second, it advocates for a unified regulatory framework to streamline SAF production and certification processes, fostering cross-border collaboration.

Third, the industry emphasizes increased funding for SAF feedstock research, such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and synthetic fuel technologies, to address potential raw material shortages post-2030.

Fourth, it calls for expanded infrastructure investments to support the retrofitting of existing refineries and the construction of new SAF production facilities.

Fifth, the industry seeks long-term policy commitments to boost investor confidence and attract more private capital.

Sixth, it proposes working with airlines to develop a phased plan for mandatory SAF blending ratios, aligning with the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation’s target of 6% SAF usage by 2030.

Finally, the industry stresses the need for enhanced international cooperation to prevent Europe from becoming dependent on SAF imports from the U.S. or Asia due to high costs and production constraints.

These measures underscore the European aviation sector’s focus on energy security and its strategic positioning in the SAF industry. The industry warns that without strong policy support, Europe risks falling behind in the global SAF market, jeopardSJ undermining its climate goals and economic interests. While the EU has implemented some measures, such as Denmark’s €36 million SAF aid scheme, the industry insists that broader, coordinated action is essential.

Cathay Group and DHL Express Launch SAF Partnership to Cut Air Cargo Emissions

Cathay Group announced on August 13 that it has entered into a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership with DHL Express to reinforce their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the air cargo sector.

Under the agreement, Cathay Pacific will supply DHL Express with 2,400 metric tonnes of SAF for international flights departing from three Asian airports: Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Singapore Changi. These flights are operated by Cathay Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Air Hong Kong, which primarily provides express cargo services for DHL Express.

The partnership is expected to cut approximately 7,190 tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, equivalent to the emissions from over 100 Airbus A330 freighter flights between Hong Kong and Singapore. DHL Express Asia Pacific Senior Vice President Peter Bardens noted that SAF currently accounts for less than 1% of global aviation fuel use, yet air transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that this collaboration is a key step in building a stronger SAF ecosystem in Asia and aligns with DHL’s “Strategy 2030” goal of making green logistics a core priority.

This deal builds on the long-standing cooperation between DHL Express and Cathay Group. Cathay sees the initiative as a milestone, marking the first use of SAF on Air Hong Kong flights, and part of its wider strategy to expand SAF adoption across its network. DHL Express, a global leader in SAF deployment, has also signed long-term agreements with suppliers including Neste, BP, and World Energy, further strengthening regional SAF demand and supply.

Pertamina Ships First UCO-Based SAF in Indonesia with ISCC CORSIA Certification

Indonesia’s PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI) Cilacap Refinery, in collaboration with the Lemigas laboratory, has completed a series of quality standard tests and officially carried out the first shipment of Pertamina Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from a blend of used cooking oil (UCO).

KPI President Director Taufik Adityawarman stated that this is not only a proud moment for Pertamina but also for the entire nation. The SAF will be used for a mid-August Jakarta–Denpasar flight operated by Pelita Air Services, with approximately 32,000 liters supplied from the Cilacap refinery.

He emphasized that the Cilacap Green Refinery Project is a strategic step in Indonesia’s energy transition, capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 84% compared to fossil-based jet fuel, in line with the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2060 or earlier. All airlines using Pertamina SAF will receive ISCC CORSIA sustainability certification, confirming the entire supply chain meets international sustainability standards verified by independent auditors.

The UCO feedstock underwent comprehensive testing and was processed in the refinery’s Treated Distillate Hydrotreating (TDHT) unit using co-processing technology and domestically produced catalysts. Pertamina SAF meets ASTM D1655 and DefStan 91-091 international standards, making it the first ISCC CORSIA-certified SAF product in Indonesia and a pioneer in Southeast Asia.

India to achieve 1% SAF blending on all international flights by 2027

Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat refinery, which converts waste cooking oil (uco) into jet-grade fuel, has become India’s first certified sustainable aviation fuel production facility, according to India’s Ministry of Infrastructure.

Switzerland-based Cotecna Inspection Group, through its Indian subsidiary Cotecna Inspection India Private Limited, reportedly issued the certification.

The move is in line with the objectives of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). India aims to achieve a 1% SAF mix on all international flights by 2027, rising to 2% thereafter.