Bangchak Group targets Net Zero Piloting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production Expanding on local research

Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, BBGI Public Company Limited, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI) signed the memorandum of understanding for the green innovation project to pilot the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the development of low-carbon aviation fuels drawing from the RMUTI research project “The production of bio-based fuels from Fusel alcohol from ethanol plants” conducted in 2020 with the support of the NRCT which has the potential to even further value to gashol production from ethanol by producing the higher value SAF, fostering the development of the bio-based fuel supply chain network, addressing the growing demand for SAF as a result of a global shift towards sustainable aviation, marking the readiness for the clean energy transition.

Chaiwat Kovavisarach, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Bangchak Group stated that “As the leader of energy transition targeting Net Zero by 2050, with a critical milestone being Carbon Neutrality by 2030, Bangchak is determined to increase the share of bio-based fuels in place of conventional fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially in transportation. Bangchak has consistently been developing bio-based fuel for land transport, and today we have the opportunity to use local research for SAF development, which was not only found to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by up 80%, but is also considered a high-quality aviation fuel used in air force fighter jets.

“The signing of the MOU today is a critical step for low-carbon society and economy. Bangchak will draw on its technological expertise and experience in industrial aviation fuel refining, and the specialized experience in the ethanol industry of BBGI, which is the bio-based fuel industry leader and is in the process of entering the high-value bio-based products business, to jointly SAF for a more sustainable aviation industry, with planes able to use SAF without the need for engine modification” Chaiwat stated.

Kittiphong Limsuwannarot, President and Chief Executive Officer, BBGI Public Company Limited stated “this study of research is another opportunity to support and promote local bio-based products to have higher value, developing the abundant agricultural raw materials into low-carbon fuels so valuable to the aviation industry. The production of SAF utilizes Fusel, a byproduct of ethanol distillation, as its raw material. BBGI produces and retails biodiesel and ethanol, producing 1,000,000 liters of biodiesel and 600,000 liters of ethanol daily, making it fully specialized to support this study increasing the value of ethanol production and supporting green innovation; part of Bangchak’s drive toward Net Zero.

Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director, National Research Council of Thailand, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation stated that “The production of bio-based fuels from Fusel alcohol from ethanol plants” research project, at lab scale, successfully produced bio-based high-quality aviation fuel using “Fusel” from ethanol production using sugarcane, cassava, and cellulosic sludge, which are considered cash crops according to state policy. Furthermore, the research is aligned with Thailand’s current BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy Model which aims to drive the country’s economic growth. The signing of the MOU will expand the lab scale research for application nationwide, as well as study the commercial feasibility and investment for low-carbon aviation fuel from byproducts of commercial ethanol production, enabling Thailand to develop aviation fuel, that is high-quality and low-carbon, for export and domestic use, for Thailand’s sustainable development.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Kosit Sriphuthorn, Vice President of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan stated that “The production of bio-based fuels from Fusel alcohol from ethanol plants” research project is one of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan’s technology and innovation development projects that received a research grant from the National Research Council of Thailand. The objective of the project was to use products from agricultural fermentation to produce high-value SAF, increasing the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the world addressing the problem of climate change. Moreover, it also enhances green technology and innovation among industries, and is a great platform for public agencies to support research and development in the private sector, including the granting of funds and partnerships with the business sector, as well as the creation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem.