REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- PT Pertamina (Persero), biggest energy state-owned enterprise in Indonesia, proves its commitment to develop Pertamina Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) products or aviation fuel with a mix of renewable energy content. On Friday (27/10/2023), Pertamina SAF was launched through a collaborative mission between Pertamina and Garuda Indonesia commercial aviation.

The development of SAF is one of Pertamina's efforts in energy transition, especially in the aviation business. It also supports the achievement of the Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2060 target.

Pertamina SAF is an environmentally friendly fuel, which uses a mixture of palm oil components in the SAF formula so as to reduce aircraft exhaust emissions. In addition, this aspect of utilization of palm oil components can promote industrial and economic development in the country.

“Pertamina, as a leader in the energy transition, plays a role in building eco-friendly ecosystems. By developing green fuels, we are determined to carry out the mandate in energy sovereignty and meet Indonesia's needs. One of them is with this SAF product as the future for the aviation industry,” said Pertamina President Director Nicke Widyawati.

After going through a series of development stages and reliability trials of SAF, Pertamina synergized with fellow state-owned Garuda Indonesia to carry out flight activities from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Adi Soemarmo International Airport using Pertamina SAF fuel. Through the implementation of this commercial flight, public can experience the benefits of using renewable energy, that is equal in quality to fossil energy.

To prepare for the flight, Pertamina refueled SAF through the Soekarno-Hatta Fuel Terminal and Hydrant Installation (SHAFTHI) in Cengkareng, on Thursday (26/10/2023). SAF replenishment will also be carried out through the Air Aircraft Filling Depot (DPPU) Adi Soemarmo (Surakarta) before the fleet returns to Soekarno-Hatta.

Pertamina SAF has also undergone flight test conducted on October 4, 2023, SAF has gone through ground round and flight test stages on commercial aircraft of type Boeing 737-800 NG with registration number PK-GFX, owned by Garuda Indonesia airline. Test flying was conducted for 60 minutes, by crossing the Queen's Harbour air area.

Pertamina SAF is the result of innovation and collaboration between Pertamina subholdings. Through the Green Refinery facility of PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional in Cilacap Refinery, SAF uses the co-processing method of Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and complies with international standards. Later, SAF will be marketed through PT Pertamina Patra Niaga for the aviation industry in Indonesia and does not close the possibility to the international aviation market.

SAF has many advantages one of which is lower emissions compared to fossil based fuels in general. The use of environmentally friendly fuels in the aviation industry will also be required in 2026 under the CORSIA Framework (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) of the International Civil Aviation Organization, where the regulation is still in the Voluntary Pilot Phase this year.

“Pertamina's success in producing SAF became the first in regional Southeast Asia. Pertamina SAF is projected to be an environmentally friendly product that can be immediately marketed to airline business operators as well as proof of Pertamina's consistency in developing green energy in Indonesia and contributing to the decarbonization program,” Nicke conclude.

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