In a move to bolster the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Japan's second-largest crude oil refiner, Idemitsu Kosan, has announced it will begin a trial plantation of Pongamia trees in Australia starting mid-January. This initiative aims to assess the viability of Pongamia oil as a key feedstock for SAF production.

The trial is a collaborative effort with Terviva, a U.S.-based company specializing in Pongamia research and cultivation for over a decade. Pongamia, a leguminous tree native to Southeast Asia and Oceania, is a non-edible oilseed crop that offers several advantages. Notably, it does not compete with food production, making it a sustainable alternative to crops used for biofuel production that can impact food security.

Idemitsu has set an ambitious target of establishing a supply system capable of producing 500,000 kilolitres of SAF annually by 2030. As part of this strategy, the company has also invested in Terviva, although the financial details of the investment remain undisclosed.

The trial plantation will focus on evaluating long-term Pongamia cultivation methods and optimizing the entire supply chain, from cultivation to SAF production. This includes determining the most efficient farming practices, harvesting techniques, and oil extraction processes.

Beyond SAF production, Idemitsu is exploring a range of potential applications for Pongamia. These include generating carbon credits through afforestation, utilizing Pongamia shells to produce biomass power pellets, and repurposing the pressed oilseed cake as livestock feed. This multifaceted approach aims to maximize the value and sustainability of Pongamia cultivation.

The oil extracted from Pongamia seeds is expected to serve as a crucial feedstock for SAF production. SAF is widely recognized as essential for the aviation industry to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the adoption of SAF is still in its early stages.

Currently, SAF constitutes only about 0.3% of global jet fuel usage, and projections from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggest this figure will only reach 0.7% by 2025. Experts stress the urgent need to significantly accelerate SAF production to enable the aviation sector to meet its ambitious emissions targets. Idemitsu’s initiative with Pongamia represents a significant step towards increasing SAF production and contributing to a more sustainable future for air travel. By exploring alternative feedstocks like Pongamia, Idemitsu is positioning itself at the forefront of the SAF revolution, contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation industry and promoting a more environmentally conscious approach to air travel.