SAF and the Potential in Hong Kong SAR

EcoVision
1 day ago
2 min read

SAF production = the process of making Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a low‑carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel.

SAF is produced from renewable or waste‑based sources such as:

used cooking oil
agricultural waste
municipal solid waste
forestry residues
CO₂ captured from the air combined with green hydrogen (e‑SAF)

The goal of SAF production is to reduce aviation emissions while remaining compatible with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure.

*Remember the carbon footprint Scope 3 emission contain the employee travel

SAF is compatible with existing aircraft because it is chemically similar to conventional Jet A/Jet A‑1 fuel. Key points:

It meets the same technical and safety specifications as fossil jet fuel (ASTM D1655 or ASTM D7566).
It can be blended with regular jet fuel (currently up to 50% for most approved pathways).
It works in existing jet engines and fuel systems with no modifications required.
Airports can use the same storage and fueling infrastructure.

This “drop‑in” compatibility makes SAF the easiest near‑term way to reduce aviation emissions.

SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is produced by converting renewable or waste materials into a fuel that behaves like conventional jet fuel. The common steps are:

Collect feedstocks

Examples: used cooking oil, animal fats, agricultural waste, municipal waste, forestry residues, or CO₂ + green hydrogen.
Convert the feedstock

It goes through industrial processes that clean it, break it down, and rebuild it into hydrocarbons similar to jet fuel.
Refine and upgrade

The product is refined to meet strict aviation standards (ASTM), ensuring it performs safely in aircraft engines.
Blend with conventional jet fuel SAF is usually blended (up to 50% for most pathways) to create a “drop‑in” fuel compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure.

That’s the overall concept — sustainable inputs + industrial conversion + aviation‑grade refining

SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and Hong Kong SAR

Hong Kong SAR is expanding SAF adoption as part of its aviation‑decarbonisation strategy.
The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is working toward becoming a regional SAF hub.
In 2023–2024, HKIA launched pilot SAF programs with airlines and fuel suppliers.
Hong Kong’s government supports SAF through climate targets, alignment with global aviation bodies (ICAO/CORSIA), and partnerships with airlines such as Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Pacific has committed to using 10% SAF by 2030, driving demand within Hong Kong SAR.