[NEDO] The world’s first successful production of 100%
biomass-derived SAF from inedible coconut oil
*NEDO*
Press release: September 18, 2024
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The world’s first successful production of 100% biomass-derived SAF from inedible coconut oil
*–We have made progress toward mass production of SAF, which has advantages in terms of production efficiency, cost, and environment–* *
In the NEDO project “Building a plant-based SAF demonstration supply chain model using low-pressure, low-hydrogen consumption
multifunctional catalysts” (hereinafter referred to as this project), Japan Green Power Development Co., Ltd. will use the catalyst it is developing to For the first time, we succeeded in producing 100% biomass-derived SAF (hereinafter referred to as neat SAF) from inedible coconut oil (hereinafter referred to as substandard coconut). In addition, the NEET SAF manufactured this time has passed the international quality standard “ASTM
D7566 Annex A2” (hereinafter referred to as this standard). * *
The structure of substandard coconut is similar to that of
conventional jet fuel, and it is expected to reduce the process and hydrogen consumption in fuel conversion. This result demonstrates the possibility of mass production of SAF, which has advantages in terms of production efficiency, cost, and environment, and represents a significant step toward further scaled-up demonstrations. *
Figure: Image of the process of producing neat SAF from substandard coconuts 1. background
As of 2022, the world’s supply of SAF is estimated to be around 0.1% of the world’s jet fuel supply, and mass production and widespread use is urgently needed. Under such circumstances, 70 million to 100 million tons of coconuts are produced annually worldwide, and it is estimated that 30% of the production is unripe or has sprouted, making it unsuitable for consumption. It is expected to be used as a non-competitive SAF*1 raw material.
In this project*2, Japan Green Power Development will develop raw materials such as sorting and procuring substandard coconuts and converting them into oil in Indonesia, a major coconut producing region, and develop catalysts suitable for converting coconut oil into fuels. We are working on building a supply chain up to the actual SAF manufacturing.
In March of this year, as a result of creating a definition of substandard coconut and establishing a sorting system through this project, substandard coconut was registered as a raw material for SAF on the CORSIA certification positive list established by ICAO*3. The results are the result of catalyst development that was carried out in parallel with raw material development.
*2. Current results*
Japan Green Power Development has successfully produced NEET SAF*4 from oil squeezed from substandard coconuts procured in Indonesia using the catalyst developed in this project. Now that we have confirmed compliance with this standard*5, which is an international quality standard for aviation fuel, we are preparing to build a supply chain in terms of raw material procurement and manufacturing technology, along with registration on the CORSIA certification positive list. We proceeded.
The oil extracted from substandard coconuts has a molecular structure (number of carbons/chain length) of the constituent fatty acids that is closer to that of aviation fuel than other SAF raw materials, so it requires relatively few reaction processes and reduces hydrogen consumption. It is possible to produce NEET SAF.
In this project, we have proceeded with the development of a multifunctional catalyst that is compatible with the characteristics of this molecular structure, such as reaction-saving processes and low hydrogen consumption, and also has the ability to efficiently modify multiple reaction processes independently.
It has been confirmed that neat SAF manufactured using this
multifunctional catalyst complies with this standard, which is a quality standard for aviation fuel. This demonstrated the potential and made significant progress toward further scaled-up demonstrations.
*3. Future plans*
In addition to being registered on the CORSIA certification positive list, which is necessary for SAF raw materials, we are currently in the process of formulating greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction standard values (default values)*6, and this confirmation of conformity to ASTM quality standards will improve both the environment and quality. The conditions for SAF production in Japan are being established. Furthermore, understanding and cooperation in the raw material collection areas is progressing, with support for this project from the perspective of revitalizing the local economy from the Indonesian state government.
While checking the durability of multifunctional catalysts, we are working to design a manufacturing flow that is more optimal in terms of production efficiency, cost, and environment. We will continue to promote the practical application of this project through both raw material development and catalyst development.
[Note]
*1 SAF
Sustainable Aviation
Abbreviation for Fuel, which stands for sustainable aviation fuel. This refers to jet fuel that is made from renewable or waste materials that meet sustainability criteria and has lower GHG emissions than fossil fuels.
*2 This project
Project name: Biojet fuel production technology development
project/Building a supply chain model through demonstration/ Construction of a plant-based SAF demonstration supply chain model using low pressure, low hydrogen consumption, and multifunctional catalysts
Project period: FY2022-FY2024
Business form: Subsidized business
Business overview: Biojet fuel production technology development project https://www.nedo.go.jp/content/100974524.pdf
*3 Registered on the CORSIA certification positive list established by ICAO ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
The organization has established the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a system to manage the reduction of GHG emissions in international aviation. , it is necessary to list it on the raw material classification table called the positive list. In April 2024, substandard coconuts were placed on this positive list through this project.
https://www.nedo.go.jp/news/other/ZZFF_100054.html
*4 NEET SAF
Refers to 100% pure jet fuel manufactured from biomass raw materials, etc. This neat SAF is used as SAF after being mixed with up to 50% fossil fuel-derived jet fuel.
*5 This standard
ASTM D7566 Annex
A2 is the internationally recognized “standard for aviation fuel for SAF” established by ASTM International. Various NEET SAF fuel production systems were evaluated, and after various tests by experts such as engine manufacturers and aircraft manufacturers, and approval by committee members, the new Annex
included in ASTM D7566. As of August 2024, Annex A1 to A8 have been approved.
*6 Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction standard value (default value) This refers to SAF’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions as specified in the ICAO text. Calculate the GHG reduction value by comparing with the value of fossil-based jet fuel.
CORSIA Qualified Fuel Registration/Certification Guide
https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/content/001619071.pdf
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