In Japan, Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd (Cosmo Oil), part of Cosmo Energy Group has announced that it has joined a project consortium seeking to commercialize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from used cooking oil (UCO). Through the participation of Cosmo Oil with its extensive experience and know-how in the production, storage, and provision of aviation fuel, the plan to establish SAF production facilities by 2025 and proceed with the commercialization phase will receive a boost.
According to a statement, with regard to the domestic production of SAF in Japan, there are concerns about the production cost and the stability of supply and there is an urgent need to build up economical SAF production together with a stable supply chain.
A project consortium with JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC HD), Revo International Inc. (Revo), and Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd (JAPEX) have been undertaking studies since January 2020 concerning the establishment of a commercial domestic supply chain for the production of next-generation aviation fuel.
The fuel used by aircraft has extremely high-quality requirements and, as a refiner and a fuel marketer, Cosmo Oil with its knowledge and experience in the many steps involved in its use, from production to transportation and refueling, is a vital partner in the creation of a SAF supply chain and Cosmo Oil’s participation in the scheme represents an important step forward in its realization.
The four partners are working toward the creation of conditions that will lead to the establishment of production facilities and a supply chain centered around the emphasis on details including plans for obtaining the UCO which serves as the raw material, the introduction of production processes successfully used in Europe and the US, gathering cost estimates for necessary production facilities, and a scheme for the transportation and sale of the product.
The concept is to have SAF production facilities in various areas around the country in order to minimize costs and contribute to the growth of the domestic SAF market and envisage the creation of facilities and processes to produce SAF within existing refineries with the first step being a model facility that will demonstrate the viability of a domestic scheme.
The end-users, the airline companies, and related government agencies are engaged in promoting further cooperation. These business discussions are aimed at developing plans for the operation of SAF manufacturing plants and the commercialization of the use of the product by around 2025.
