PT Pertamina (Persero) through PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI) produces the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in ASEAN, known as Bioavtur-SAF, at the Kilang Cilacap refinery. This production is in line with the government’s target to achieve a 23% renewable energy mix by 2025.
Taufik Aditiyawarman, the CEO of KPI, stated that the development of Bioavtur-SAF is a response to the aviation industry’s growing demand for renewable fuels. It aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving carbon emissions reduction targets.
“One of the most significant potentials for reducing CO2 emissions in the civil aviation industry is the use of Bioavtur-SAF. KPI is addressing this challenge by undertaking capability development activities, know-how, research, and commercial production trials at existing production facilities,” Taufik explained.
The Bioavtur-SAF production process utilizes the Co-Processing Ester and Fatty Acid (HEFA) method, which complies with international standards, such as Avtur ASTM D 1655, Defstan 91-91 latest issue, and SK Dirjen Migas No.59 K of 2022.
Furthermore, the Bioavtur-SAF produced by the Pertamina refinery also meets the criteria established in global frameworks, including CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) by the International Civil Aviation Organization, RefuelEU/Fit55 by the European Union, EU/UK Emission Trading, and the Tax Credit IRA in the USA.
Pioneer in commercial bioavtur production in ASEAN
According to Taufik, KPI is the only commercial producer of Bioavtur in Southeast Asia. Bioavtur-SAF has undergone ground-round and flight tests in CFM56-7B jet engines at Soekarno Hatta International Airport.
Prior to this, Bioavtur J 2.4 was tested at the TDHT/Green Refinery RU IV refinery from 2020 to 2021 for military aircraft test flights, and further tests were conducted for commercial airline Garuda in 2023.
“KPI has reaffirmed its commitment to be a leading and pioneer in the development of drop-in renewable fuels, particularly Bioavtur-SAF, which is the answer to decarbonize the hard-to-abate civil aviation industry,” added Taufik.
While acknowledging that Bioavtur-SAF is relatively more expensive than fossil avtur, Taufik explained that it’s due to the nature of Bioavtur being a commodity. However, it offers the advantage of lower greenhouse gas emissions, particularly Scope 3 emissions, when compared to fossil fuels.
Pertamina’s VP of Corporate Communication, mentioned that the Kilang Cilacap refinery became a Green Refinery in February 2022, capable of producing low greenhouse gas emission products.
The main product of the Green Refinery RU IV Cilacap is Green Diesel, which is claimed to be produced from 100% renewable feedstock, with sulfur content better than Euro V and a production capacity of 2500 barrels per day (BPD).
In addition to Green Diesel, Green Refinery RU IV Cilacap has also produced Bioavtur-SAF with a renewable content of 2.4% and a capacity of 9 BPD through co-processing.
Fadjar stated that using Bioavtur has the potential to reduce the carbon emissions of the aviation industry by 22,000 tons of CO2e per year. This achievement aligns with Pertamina’s energy transition program, focused on developing green fuels.
“Pertamina and all its subsidiaries are committed to advancing the energy transition, particularly in green aviation fuels. Kilang in Pertamina, such as Kilang Cilacap, has become a Green Refinery and has proven capable of producing low-emission fuels,” he concluded.
