Southeast Asia is emerging as a critical player in the global shift toward Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with research showing that the region’s bio-based feedstocks could supply approximately 12% of the global SAF demand by 2050. This milestone is crucial for helping the commercial aviation sector achieve its net-zero emissions goal within the same timeframe, according to a report by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), supported by Boeing.
Southeast Asia’s Feedstock Potential
The study covering 11 Southeast Asian countries highlights the region’s rich capacity to produce SAF from a variety of bio-based feedstocks. These feedstocks, such as rice husks and straw, along with agricultural and post-consumer waste like cassava and sugarcane, could yield around 45.7 million metric tons of SAF annually by 2050. Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines alone account for nearly 90% of the region’s SAF production potential, making these countries pivotal to the future of sustainable aviation.
Driving Sustainability and Economic Growth
Building a robust SAF ecosystem in Southeast Asia not only aligns with global decarbonization goals but also presents a significant opportunity for the region’s economies. By converting agricultural waste into valuable SAF, Southeast Asia can reduce waste, create jobs, and improve energy security while contributing to the environment. As Boeing’s regional sustainability lead, Sharmine Tan, explains, “With regional governments and industry working together on sustainability policies and infrastructure investment, Southeast Asia can help shape a more sustainable future of flight.”
The production of SAF from feedstocks like rice husks and municipal waste also ensures minimal impact on deforestation, water resources, and food security, further enhancing the environmental and social sustainability of the aviation industry in the region.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting SAF Growth
As a leader in sustainability consulting, VURDHAAN is excited to see the growing role of Southeast Asia in the global SAF supply chain. Our consultancy has been actively working with aviation companies and governments to integrate sustainable fuels into their operations, helping them comply with frameworks such as CORSIA, SBTi, and ICAO’s ACT-SAF program.
We guide stakeholders in identifying suitable feedstocks, optimizing production processes, and building partnerships that can accelerate the adoption of SAF. By supporting the SAF industry, we aim to help the aviation sector reduce its carbon footprint while promoting economic development and environmental stewardship in the region.
A Sustainable Future of Flight
The potential of SAF to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 84% makes it one of the most promising solutions for the decarbonization of aviation. While SAF currently accounts for only 0.2% of global commercial fuel use, the groundwork being laid in Southeast Asia and other regions is crucial for scaling its production. With collaboration between governments, industries, and organizations like Boeing and RSB, the region can unlock its SAF potential and lead the global push for net-zero aviation.
Conclusion
Southeast Asia’s bio-based feedstocks are set to play a transformative role in the aviation industry’s transition to sustainability. By harnessing local resources and investing in SAF infrastructure, the region can contribute significantly to global decarbonization efforts while driving economic growth. At VURDHAAN, we remain committed to supporting the aviation sector and regional stakeholders in building a sustainable future of flight through innovative solutions like SAF.