Honeywell has announced that JGC Corp. and Cosmo Oil Co. will use Honeywell Ecofining technology for the first commercial-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Japan. The project will convert used cooking oil locally collected in Japan into renewable jet fuel meeting ASTM D7566 standards with start-up scheduled in 2025. 

 

Honeywell pioneered the production of sustainable aviation fuel with its UOP Ecofining process, which has been used to produce SAF commercially since 2016. The Ecofining process is a capital efficient solution ideal for producing renewable jet fuel from sustainable feedstocks. For example, renewable jet fuel produced from the Ecofining process using used cooking oil as feed can deliver 60%-80% lifecycle reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with aviation fuel from petroleum.

 

“By using the well-established and reliable Honeywell UOP Ecofining technology, we can supply sustainable aviation fuel commercially and contribute to the reduction of GHG in the aviation industry,” said Masahiro Aika, Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialization Officer, of JGC Holdings Corporation.

 

“This project is a new challenge for Cosmo Oil, which produces petroleum products derived from crude oil.,” said Taisuke Matsuoka, director and executive officer, of Cosmo Oil. “We need to work on decarbonization of fuels through a multiple approach to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 set by Japanese government. Introducing SAF production on a commercial scale is the first step.”

 

The UOP Ecofining process remains the only commercially demonstrated process for the current 100% production of SAF in the world. Honeywell Green Jet Fuel produced by this process is blended seamlessly with petroleum-based jet fuel at commercial scale. When used in up to a 50% blend with petroleum-based jet fuel, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel requires no changes to aircraft technology and meets all critical specifications for flight.

 

“Production of sustainable aviation fuels is a key component for decarbonization of the transport sector,” said Ben Owens, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Sustainable Technology Solutions. “The UOP Ecofining process has proven to be suitable for many types of sustainable feeds including used cooking oil. We look forward to working with JGC and Cosmo Oil on expanding the first commercial scale production of sustainable aviation fuel in Japan.”

 

The UOP Ecofining process, developed in conjunction with Eni SpA, converts non-edible natural oils, animal fats and other waste feedstocks to Honeywell Green Diesel and Honeywell Green Jet Fuel, which are chemically identical to petroleum-based counterparts.