Indonesia's Energy Ministry Says Coconut-Based Jet Fuel Possible

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed the technical feasibility of using coconut oil as a source of environmentally friendly jet fuel, also known as bio-aviation fuel (bioavtur).

“Technically, it's possible. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) which is currently under development utilizes used cooking oil or fat,” said Agus Cahyono, Head of the Ministry's Communications Bureau, to Tempo via messaging application on July 23, 2024.

Agus claimed that the ministry awaits a more detailed explanation from the Directorate General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation regarding the specific use of coconut oil for bioavtur.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF shares near-identical chemical and physical properties with conventional jet fuel. This allows for safe blending with conventional fuel at various ratios, utilizing existing infrastructure and aircraft without modification. Fuels with these characteristics are known as "drop-in fuels," meaning they can be seamlessly integrated into existing airport fueling systems.

However, for the "sustainable" designation to be valid, the fuel must meet specific sustainability criteria. These include reduced lifecycle carbon emissions, minimal reliance on clean water resources, avoidance of competition with food production (such as first-generation biofuels), and prevention of deforestation.

Previously, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) collaborated with a Japanese company to process both used and non-standard or unmarketable coconut oil into bioavtur. This project, currently in the factory construction phase located in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, involves a collaboration between BRIN, PT ABE Indonesia, and Japan's Green Power Development Corporation.

Mego Pinandito, BRIN's Deputy for Development Policy, emphasized that non-standard coconut has been recognized as a viable feedstock by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Mego believed this recognition would positively impact the development of Indonesia's domestic biofuel industry.

“The inclusion of non-standard coconuts on the approved list opens doors for coconut-producing countries like Indonesia to contribute to lowering carbon emissions in the aviation sector,” Mego said in an official statement on July 19, 2024.

BAGUS PRIBADI | ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI

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