A Major Milestone in Clean Aviation
Thailand has achieved a landmark feat in its energy transition journey with the inauguration of its first large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel production unit. The launch of this facility marks not only a national achievement but a strategic signal to the region on the viability and scale-up of aviation decarbonization.
Positioned at the Phra Khanong Refinery, this cutting-edge plant transforms used cooking oil and other fatty materials into 100 percent Neat SAF using Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology. The process aligns with ASTM standards and is governed by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), ensuring traceability and lifecycle integrity across the supply chain.
From Cooking Oil to Jet Fuel: A Model of Circular Economy
What makes this SAF project more than just an industrial milestone is its deep integration with circular economy principles. By sourcing feedstock from used cooking oil—collected from hundreds of service stations—the initiative roots sustainability into everyday practices. This model not only recycles waste but links communities directly into climate action, creating a decentralized network of climate contributors.
The refinement process, executed in collaboration with technology leaders from Belgium and the United States, adds another layer of credibility and quality assurance. The result is a reliable supply of low-sulfur, low-aromatic jet fuel that promises not only to cut emissions but to reduce harmful air pollutants like PM2.5.
SAF: From Ambition to Reality
Sustainable Aviation Fuel has long been regarded as a promising but elusive solution. Globally, aviation contributes nearly half a billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, and with demand projected to rise, credible alternatives are urgently needed. SAF offers up to 80 percent lifecycle emission reductions and remains one of the few scalable tools ready for deployment.
The timing of Thailand’s SAF debut is strategic. With countries like the EU and UK already enforcing SAF blending mandates, and others such as Singapore adopting proactive roadmaps, this development helps Thailand not only catch up but potentially lead in Southeast Asia’s SAF deployment landscape.
More Than a Fuel: A National Innovation Platform
The broader narrative here is not just about decarbonizing aircraft—it’s about redefining national energy innovation. Thailand’s SAF journey began more than two decades ago with biodiesel research, and has since evolved through grassroots initiatives like community oil buy-back programs. Today’s SAF unit stands on the shoulders of these efforts, serving as a scalable proof of concept.
The ongoing “Fry to Fly” campaign exemplifies this grassroots-to-industrial pipeline. By 2025, the collection network aims to expand nearly sevenfold, offering a potent example of how infrastructure, policy, and public participation can harmonize to create industrial-scale climate solutions.
The Role of Carbon Accountability
Looking ahead, the integration of Book and Claim systems will likely be a game-changer. These mechanisms allow carbon savings from SAF to be tracked and claimed by stakeholders, including airlines and even individual passengers. This transparency can unlock new financing avenues and accelerate voluntary climate commitments in aviation.
By embedding such accountability mechanisms early, Thailand positions itself not just as a producer of SAF, but as an enabler of carbon market innovation.
Conclusion: A Template for the Region
Thailand’s SAF launch transcends national significance. It presents a replicable framework for neighboring countries seeking to bridge climate ambition with practical execution. Through a smart combination of policy foresight, community engagement, and industrial capability, it shows that the future of clean aviation is no longer hypothetical—it is operational.
In the evolving energy landscape, this initiative is a signal that decarbonization, when pursued inclusively and strategically, becomes not just possible—but transformative.