SAF is considered a key development for the transformation of petrochemical companies.（Photo: iStock）
Thailand's national oil company, PTT, through its subsidiary Global Chemical (GC), is focusing on the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and plans to launch biofuels for aircraft use next year. Another industry giant, Bangchak, is also investing to build a new plant, aiming to seize opportunities in green transportation.
PTT GC expects to produce 500,000 liters SAF per day
Toasaporn Boonyapipat, CEO of PTT GC, stated that the newly constructed biorefinery is expected to commence trial production in December, with commercial operations slated for next year, targeting a daily output of 500,000 liters. The facility will process 1,700 tons of waste cooking oil each month. SAF is derived from biofuels, with raw materials including waste cooking oil and agricultural waste.
The company anticipates that the amount of waste cooking oil sourced domestically in Thailand will meet current production needs. If supplies fall short, PTT GC plans to collaborate with partners in Japan and Singapore for procurement. In addition to waste cooking oil, PTT GC is also exploring other raw materials, such as ethanol produced from sugar and cassava, with feasibility studies currently underway.
Bangchak invests over 8 billion Baht for SAF facility
Meanwhile, Bangchak is advancing its SAF development and plans to invest 8.5 billion baht (about 252 million USD) in a manufacturing plant near its refinery in Phra Khanong, Bangkok. This facility is expected to produce 1 million liters per day and aims to begin operations in the second quarter of 2025.
Bangchak has set a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and aligns with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Fly Net Zero initiative, viewing SAF production as a key achievement. The SAF will be delivered to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang International Airport via pipelines.
To ensure stable raw material supplies, Bangchak is actively procuring waste cooking oil, signing agreements with 17 food and beverage companies, acquiring a 45% stake in Thanachok Vegetable Oil Company, and even exploring purchasing from street food vendors at a price of 20 baht per liter (about 0.59 USD).
According to Thailand's newly revised oil plan, which serves as a development blueprint from now until 2037, biofuels including gasohol and SAF are expected to generate additional investments in the oil sector, amounting to 114 billion baht (about 3.3 billion USD), as the country transitions to cleaner fuels for transportation.
Source: GC、Bangkok Post(1)、(2)
