Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a renewable alternative to fossil-based jet fuel with similar chemical properties as conventional aviation fuel, enabling it to be used in existing aircraft with minimal modification. As of 2023, the Philippines has no domestic SAF production — all programs are in the R&D and feedstock identification stage [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. II, pp.63–64, 2023].
CORSIA and ICAO Commitment
The Philippines is a member state of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is committed to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) on a triennial compliance basis. CORSIA is the globally harmonized strategy for curbing emissions from international aviation while minimizing market distortion [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. II, p.63, 2023].
The development of domestic SAF is a key instrument for Philippine aviation sector decarbonization under CORSIA, contributing to the nationally determined contribution (NDC) GHG reduction targets. See also GHG Emissions — Energy Sector (2022 Baseline) for the transport sector’s share of total energy-sector emissions.
DOE Roadmap (Figure 15)
| Horizon | SAF Development Activity |
|---|---|
| Short-term (2023–24) | Determine viable local feedstocks for SAF production without competing with food (sugarcane, coconut identified as candidates); pilot demonstration of SAF production |
| Medium-term (2025–28) | Development plan for identified feedstocks (plant propagation for organic or supply chain for inorganic); pilot demonstration of locally produced SAF utilization in transport vehicles |
| Long-term (2029–50) | Mainstream the utilization of locally produced SAF in aviation |
[PEP 2023-2050 Vol. II, Figure 15, 2023]
R&D Approach
The DOE is promoting SAF R&D through collaborations with research institutions and state universities. Key constraints addressed [PEP 2023-2050 Vol. II, pp.63–64, 2023]:
- Current SAF production methods rely heavily on non-renewable sources (petroleum, natural gas)
- Feedstock selection must avoid competition with food production and essential resources
- Pilot demonstration will validate viability of renewable SAF for transport vehicles and provide data for refining production processes
The comprehensive SAF development plan will include: feedstock selection, resource optimization, environmental impact assessment, supply chain framework, production facility establishment, supportive policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Status (2023)
No domestic SAF production exists. The program is at the feedstock identification and feasibility assessment stage. No investment or job creation targets are established for SAF in the PEP 2023-2050. See Biofuels Industry (Philippines) for the related biofuels program (biodiesel and bioethanol), which is at a more advanced stage. SAF development is an emerging technology pillar of the Philippine Energy Transition Program (PETP) alongside hydrogen and its derivatives .
PEP 2023-2050 Vol. II coverage of SAF is limited to policy intent and roadmap staging; no investment or job targets are established. Update this page when dedicated SAF policy documents are available.