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The Department of Transportation and Airbus are conducting a feasibility study to develop the Philippines’ sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem
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The study will include analysis of country specific macroeconomic data, evaluating SAF feedstocks and production pathways, assessing relevant implementation support, financing and policies, as well as drafting an action plan
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Other initiatives to reach the aviation industry’s goal of net zero carbon emissions, include fleet renewal, disruptive technologies, operations improvement, and carbon offsetting
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and aircraft manufacturer Airbus are conducting a feasibility study to develop the Philippines’ sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ecosystem.
Launched on October 3 during the 2024 Aviation Summit, the feasibility study will include the analysis of country specific macroeconomic data, evaluating SAF feedstocks and production pathways, assessing relevant implementation support, financing and policies, as well as drafting an action plan.
SAF is an environmentally sustainable and chemically identical alternative to fossil fuel-based aviation fuel. On average, SAF can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
“We commend the proactive support of Airbus. It is contributing significantly to finish the SAF Philippines feasibility study looking at various feedstocks,” DOTr undersecretary for airports and aviation Roberto Lim said in a speech during the summit.
With the Philippines being among the most vulnerable to the effects of global warming, Lim said there is a need “to double all our efforts” in crafting mitigating measures now towards the aviation industry’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The feasibility study will be based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels template for feasibility studies on SAF, DOTr said in a statement.
The conduct of the feasibility study follows the establishment of a SAF Committee as part of the Department of Energy-led National Biofuels Board (NBB) that oversees the development of the country’s SAF roadmap. DOTr is part of the NBB.
Republic Act No. 9367, otherwise known as the Biofuels Act of 2006, supports the use of biofuels—such as SAF—for aviation, Lim noted.
“Southeast Asia has the potential to be a powerhouse SAF producer and the Philippines is at the center of it,” Lim said.
“We have the feedstock available in the Philippines and with the right technology, we will be on the road better manage the economics of SAF,” Lim added.
The use of SAF is just one of the initiatives to reach the goal of net zero carbon emissions, Lim noted. These include fleet renewal, disruptive technologies, operations improvement, and carbon offsetting.
Moreover, Lim said they are also “undertaking carbon sequestration to supply CORSIA-eligible carbon credits especially for airlines who are mandated to reduce carbon emissions from 2027 onwards.”
CORSIA stands for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, and it offers a “harmonized way” to reduce emissions from international aviation. It allows the use of SAF derived from biomass or waste resources to reduce carbon offsetting requirements of airlines.
Based on CORSIA’s timetable, participating ICAO member states, including the Philippines, are mandated to comply with the carbon dioxide off-setting requirements by 2024-2026. The mandatory compliance is set for 2027-2035.
READ: Airbus to work with DOTr on sustainable aviation fuel initiatives
