KPI Begins Trial of Aviation Fuel Production With Used Cooking Oil

KPI Begins Trial of Aviation Fuel Production With Used Cooking Oil (Photo: KPI)

JAKARTA - PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI) reported that it has begun trial production of aviation fuel (aviation fuel) products made from used cooking oil.

KPI Operations Director Didik Bahagia explained that after replacing the catalyst in the Treated Distillate Hydro Treating (TDHT) unit at the Cilacap Refinery, trial production has been carried out at this Pertamina-owned refinery.

Didik explained that this catalyst is the result of Pertamina's Technology Innovation (TI) innovation. It is known as the Red and White Catalyst. The catalyst functions to support Pertamina's SAF production process.

Before entering the production phase of SAF made from used cooking oil, KPI, Didik said, had successfully produced and tested SAF using Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Kernel Oil (RBDPKO).

"Pertamina's SAF production is a concrete manifestation of KPI's support for the energy transition. This is also in line with Pertamina's dual growth strategy, particularly in developing a low-carbon business, particularly in producing bio-based products," said Didik on Wednesday, July 30.

The Pertamina Group affirmed its full commitment to supporting the establishment of a SAF ecosystem in Indonesia. This ecosystem involves Pertamina Patra Niaga and Pelita Air Services.

"This ecosystem is connected from the waste cooking oil collection process, the production of SAF from used cooking oil, and its eventual use by airlines," he continued.

Didik continued that after the product is produced at the refinery, testing will be conducted to ensure product standards, both in KPI's laboratories and at Lemigas. Once the SAF product is confirmed to meet the specified parameters, the Pertamina SAF product from the Cilacap Refinery will be inaugurated for flights in mid-August this year.

"This success is certainly not only Pertamina's success, but will be a source of pride for us as a nation to be able to produce world-class products," Didik concluded.