The UK Ministry of Defence has approved raising the concentration of HEFA feedstocks permitted in co-processed jet fuel from 5% to a significant 30% and the standard is now approved globally for the production of Jet A-1. Co-processing is a method where vegetable oils, waste oils and fats, or similar sustainable feedstocks, are processed along with conventional feedstocks, typically fossil crude oil, in existing petroleum refineries. This offers a fast-track and low capex to SAF production as it can be integrated without the need for extensive infrastructure changes. It allows fuel producers to quickly bring SAF to the market at a competitive price without waiting for the large investments and long schedules required for new purpose-built biorefineries. A SAF blend manufactured and certified under the UK MoD’s Def Stan 91-091 and the ASTM D1655 specifications for aviation kerosene have nearly identical requirements for Jet A-1.
The Defence Standard approval was achieved through a collaboration with industry stakeholders, including OEMs, IATA, fuel producers and airline companies. They said refinery co-processing was a “crucial step” towards reducing aviation industry emissions.
“Defence Standard approval for co-processing SAF is a significant milestone for the industry, and I’d like to thank our partners for their support and input in achieving this,” commented Federica Berra, Senior Vice President at Air bp, which led the industry taskforce on the Def Stan renewable fuel update.
“Co-processing produces high-quality fuel that meets stringent aviation standards, while helping to increase the volume of SAF available to customers.”
The outcome, said the oil major, was the result of a three-year programme of work at bp’s Bochum technology centre, utilising pilot plant and analytical testing facilities. The project involved synthesising data and engaging with the stakeholders.
“This is a long-awaited and welcome development and will bring immediate results,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist at IATA. “Co-processing is possible with only limited additional capital investments and it should be maximised. The example of bp and the UK Ministry of Defence is one we wish many countries and SAF producers will follow.”
Photo: The bp plant in Lingen was the first production facility in Germany to use co-processing to produce SAF from waste and residues
