The Philippines aims to become a leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and use, citing abundant agricultural waste that could meet domestic jet fuel demand and support exports, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Friday.
The DOTr, in partnership with Boeing, reiterated its commitment to promoting SAF through innovation and collaboration during the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Forum 1 on Friday.
“The success of the Philippines Sustainable Aviation Fuel Forum underscores our commitment to a sustainable aviation sector,” the DOTr said in a statement.
“By fostering innovation and partnerships, we are paving the way for the Philippines to become a leader in SAF production and usage,” it said.
The DOTr said the country’s agricultural waste feedstock could meet domestic jet fuel consumption needs, with potential for exports. The initiative is also expected to create jobs and facilitate technology transfer.
SAF, which can reduce emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel, is seen as crucial for decarbonizing aviation.
Boeing Southeast Asia president Penny Burtt highlighted the company’s long-standing relationship with the Philippines and its shared goal of decarbonization.
“Boeing has a longstanding relationship with the Philippines and its aviation industry,” Burtt said.
“We’re committed to continuing our work with the Philippines Department of Transportation and multi-industry partners to accelerate aviation decarbonization and capacity building locally,” she said.
Burtt said the Philippines’ agricultural waste could help the industry achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
The forum cited the need for a strategic roadmap, feedstock availability, financial and policy support, and workforce development to achieve SAF production.
A report by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), supported by Boeing, indicated that Southeast Asia’s feedstocks could supply about 12 percent of global SAF demand to meet the 2050 net-zero goal.
The report also said that the Philippines and its ASEAN neighbors – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia – account for about 90 percent of the region’s SAF supply capacity.
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) aims for a 5-percent SAF blend by 2030.
