Idemitsu advances SAF project at Tokuyama facility

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. is progressing with its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project at the Tokuyama Complex in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The company has completed the feasibility study (FS) and is moving to the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase. This initiative is a significant step toward Idemitsu’s goal of producing 250,000 kilolitres of SAF annually by 2028, using hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) technology.

The HEFA technology involves the hydrogenation of vegetable oils and fats to produce SAF, certified under international standards as ASTM D7566 Annex 2. This method allows the use of various raw materials, such as waste cooking oil, animal fats, soybean oil, and future options like pongamia oil, to achieve high greenhouse gas reduction rates.

The project aligns with Japan’s national target to replace 10% of aviation fuel with SAF by 2030. Idemitsu plans to establish a domestic supply system producing 500,000 kilolitres of SAF annually, which includes contributions from the Tokuyama and Chiba facilities, as well as international projects.

Strategic goals and future steps

Idemitsu is committed to advancing the decarbonisation of aviation fuel by leveraging its technological capabilities and industry partnerships. The company aims to commence SAF production by 2028 at the Tokuyama site and contribute significantly to the industry’s sustainability goals. This effort is part of Idemitsu’s broader strategy to enhance its role in the global transition to low-carbon energy solutions.