Sustainable technology specialist Topsoe has been selected by refining and petrochemical company PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (PIT KPI) to provide its HydroFlex technology for the production of renewable fuels at the Cilacap Refinery Complex in Central Java, Indonesia.
The technology will enable PT KPI (a sub-holding company of PT Pertamina) to convert low-value bio-feedstock into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel – fuels that hold the potential to decarbonise emissions in aviation and transport.
Once completed, Topsoe claims that the technology will be capable of producing 6,000 bpsd (barrels per stream day).
“We are pleased to continue our close collaboration with Pertamina marking our 5th technology reference with the Group,” said Alok Verma, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Topsoe.
“This award at the Cilacap refinery is a key milestone for the supply of renewable fuels to the Asia market. It’s a tremendous pleasure working with Pertamina on these very successful projects taking the region towards carbon neutrality.”
Chemically identical to regular petroleum diesel or jet fuel, renewable fuels are low-carbon fuels that produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions while performing the same as their regular counterparts.
According to Topsoe, its advantages lie in their ability to be used as a drop-in fuel without modification to engines or infrastructure.
Typical feedstocks include waste, animal fats, used cooking oils and organic materials such as soybean oils.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that SAFs hold the potential to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 80%.
IATA also estimates that SAF could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach Net Zero in 2050.
The organisation released its Strategic Action Plan, which outlines the approach that should be taken by industry to advance development of SAF and its infrastructure.
This includes the adoption of globally recognised sustainability standards and working to ensure existing policy incentive frameworks designed for ground transport also include aviation.
