Jakarta – PT Pertamina Patra Niaga announced its readiness to start mass production of bio-avtur or Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the first quarter of 2025, as Pertamina’s commitment to support the decarbonisation of the aviation industry and realize a clean energy transition in Indonesia. The primary raw material for this bio-avtur will be used cooking oil (UCO), which has been considered waste.
“The production of SAF provides an alternative fuel that is more environmentally friendly and utilises previously not optimally utilised resources. We are ready to meet the needs of the aviation industry, which continues to lead to sustainable energy,” said Pertamina Patra Niaga President Director Riva Siahaan at a discussion session at the COP29 event in Baku, Azerbaijan, in a written statement Tuesday, November 19.
Pertamina Patra Niaga utilizes used cooking oil as the main ingredient in the production of bio-avtur, a breakthrough expected to reduce carbon emissions significantly. UCOs are collected from various culinary industries and households and then processed into environmentally friendly jet fuel through PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional’s refinery facilities.
“The use of UCO as bio-avtur feedstock not only reduces waste but also helps reduce emissions by 84% compared to conventional jet fuel. This is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to provide better green energy solutions,” Riva added.
Pre-marketing and strategic partnerships
The initial production of bio-avtur was marketed on a limited basis at the Bali International Air Show in September 2024, where Pertamina Patra Niaga signed several agreements with airlines in Southeast Asia. The move is part of a pre-marketing strategy before the start of mass production next year.
“We are already working with some of the leading airlines in the Southeast Asian region who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. We believe demand for SAF will continue to increase in line with the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainability,” Riva said.
To support SAF production, Pertamina Patra Niaga will act as a hub for UCO collection from various sources, ranging from restaurants to households. The program will leverage Pertamina’s extensive distribution network across Indonesia, enabling more efficient UCO collection.
“UCO collection will be increased significantly. In 2023, we managed to collect around 0.3 million tons of UCO, and we are targeting an increase to 1.5 million metric tons per year by 2030,” Riva explained. This move also aligns with the **Pertamina One Solution** initiative, an integrated program that combines waste collection, processing, and distribution of environmentally friendly fuels.
Driving clean energy transition in the aviation industry
With this bio-avtur production, Pertamina hopes to become a major player in supporting the decarbonization of the aviation industry, one of the world’s largest emission-contributing sectors. UCO-based SAF is expected to replace conventional jet fuel, which is still dominantly used, while positively impacting the environment.
“The aviation industry has been one of the main contributors to carbon emissions. With this bio-avtur, we provide an alternative fuel that is more environmentally friendly and sustainable,” said Riva.
He also added that Pertamina is committed to continuing to innovate and expand SAF production in the future.
Pertamina also stated that the mass production of bio-avtur will be the first step towards global market expansion, focusing on international markets that increasingly require environmentally friendly fuels. Pertamina’s UCO-based SAF is projected to be one of the main solutions to meet the demand for sustainable aviation fuel.
“We are ready to bring our SAF products to the international market, contributing to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions. With our developed technology, we are optimistic that we can compete in the global market,” Riva concluded. (Hartatik)
