TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules – Future Pathways
Alternative Fuels - E fuels, Biofuels and SAF
Forum 15 | Hall 10 - SAUDI ENERGY Technical Programme 3
13
October
14:15
15:30
UTC+3
Alternative fuels such as e-fuels, biofuels and SAF are attracting attention as a sustainable energy source for the future. Efforts to improve the production efficiency of these alternative fuels and reduce their carbon intensity will be an important part of realising a lower carbon energy system. This forum will introduce economically rational production technologies that apply innovative and existing technologies, the contribution of low-carbon fuels to achieving net zero, and the status of preparations for fuel standards and certification for practical use. It will also discuss cooperation with local communities and stakeholders, and the building of mutually beneficial relationships.
The aviation sector is among the hard to decarbonise sectors due to its reliance on high-energy-density fuels and long technology turnover cycles. While alternative technologies such as hydrogen fuel and electrification remain in early stage, alternative drop-in fuels, especially Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAFs), offer a near- to mid-term solution for emissions reduction, requiring minimal changes to existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure. However, these fuels continue to face economic and market barriers, including high production costs, limited supply, and inadequate policy support.
For instance, e-kerosene which is a power-to liquid (PtL) sustainable aviation fuel is currently 5 times more expensive than conventional kerosene fuel. If the carbon source of the synthetic PtL fuel is from negative emissions using Direct-Air Capture (DAC), this price gap increases further up to 6 times more expensive than the current price of conventional fuel. Although that the current price of the biomass-based SAF is just around 3 times, however there are resource availability limitation especially in the arid and semi-arid regions, which give rise to energy security issues when these feedstocks are imported from somewhere else. LCAF which is a fossil-based clean aviation fuel exhibits the smallest price difference due to the fact that its price is calculated based on adding a premium equal the abatement cost. However, LCAF only reduce 10% of the lifecycle emissions of the aviation fuel, unlike other SAFs which reach 50-70% reduction.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) holds a strategic position in global aviation to serve as a connection hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa, while also managing a rapidly growing domestic and international air travel market. As part of KSA Vision 2030, the country aims to transform its aviation sector by tripling its capacity while maintaining environmental sustainability. A major milestone in this effort is the development of Red Sea Airport, which is set to become the first carbon-neutral airport in the region, with Fly Red Sea fuelled exclusively with SAF and LCAF. Despite these opportunities, the sector still relies almost entirely on conventional jet fuels with the absence of any policy incentives to support alternative fuels.
This research proposes a novel design of market-based mechanisms (MBMs) to accelerate the uptake of alternative drop-in fuels in KSA aviation sector. In addition, a novel agent-based model (ABM) was developed to simulate the diffusion pathways for these alternative drop-in fuels under different MBM scenarios in KSA air fleet. The study provides insights on the optimal intervention mixes to accelerate decarbonisation in KSA aviation sector.
The aviation sector is among the hard to decarbonise sectors due to its reliance on high-energy-density fuels and long technology turnover cycles. While alternative technologies such as hydrogen fuel and electrification remain in early stage, alternative drop-in fuels, especially Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAFs), offer a near- to mid-term solution for emissions reduction, requiring minimal changes to existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure. However, these fuels continue to face economic and market barriers, including high production costs, limited supply, and inadequate policy support.
For instance, e-kerosene which is a power-to liquid (PtL) sustainable aviation fuel is currently 5 times more expensive than conventional kerosene fuel. If the carbon source of the synthetic PtL fuel is from negative emissions using Direct-Air Capture (DAC), this price gap increases further up to 6 times more expensive than the current price of conventional fuel. Although that the current price of the biomass-based SAF is just around 3 times, however there are resource availability limitation especially in the arid and semi-arid regions, which give rise to energy security issues when these feedstocks are imported from somewhere else. LCAF which is a fossil-based clean aviation fuel exhibits the smallest price difference due to the fact that its price is calculated based on adding a premium equal the abatement cost. However, LCAF only reduce 10% of the lifecycle emissions of the aviation fuel, unlike other SAFs which reach 50-70% reduction.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) holds a strategic position in global aviation to serve as a connection hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa, while also managing a rapidly growing domestic and international air travel market. As part of KSA Vision 2030, the country aims to transform its aviation sector by tripling its capacity while maintaining environmental sustainability. A major milestone in this effort is the development of Red Sea Airport, which is set to become the first carbon-neutral airport in the region, with Fly Red Sea fuelled exclusively with SAF and LCAF. Despite these opportunities, the sector still relies almost entirely on conventional jet fuels with the absence of any policy incentives to support alternative fuels.
This research proposes a novel design of market-based mechanisms (MBMs) to accelerate the uptake of alternative drop-in fuels in KSA aviation sector. In addition, a novel agent-based model (ABM) was developed to simulate the diffusion pathways for these alternative drop-in fuels under different MBM scenarios in KSA air fleet. The study provides insights on the optimal intervention mixes to accelerate decarbonisation in KSA aviation sector.
In the mission to address climate change and secure a sustainable future, biofuels emerge as a source of optimism. By significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels not only enhance air quality but also mitigate environmental degradation. They offer a pathway to energy independence, diminishing our reliance on depleting fossil fuel reserves. Embracing biofuels is more than an environmental choice; it's a stride towards economic resilience and sustainable development. Recently, the spotlight has turned to hydrocracking units in biofuel production, unveiling promising avenues for creating Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). These advancements underscore the transformative potential of biofuels in our journey towards a cleaner planet, reducing CO2 emissions from fossil feedstocks.
The hydrocracker unit, initially commissioned in 1991 and revamped in 2009 to optimize middle distillate production, mirrors evolving fuel market trends. This study explores the coprocessing of Used Cooking Oil (UCO), not containing palm oil, within a single-stage, once-through Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) hydrocracker loaded with a catalyst system providing good cold flow properties for diesel and kerosene at 95% overall conversion. It encapsulates the practical experiences of a Central European refiner from commercial-scale coprocessing trials, highlighting the advantages and challenges, including yields, properties, and operational bottlenecks.
The research investigates the balance between Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) bio content and kerosene cold flow properties through two test runs, each incorporating 5% bio feedstock coprocessing. Findings from these trials reveal that distillation overlaps can be strategically utilized to optimize SAF bio content while adhering to cold flow property specifications fulfilling JET A1 specification.
The initial test run provided insights into the cold-flow characteristics and behavior of paraffins, facilitating the consistent achievement of maximum SAF yields in the subsequent test run. This was achieved through timely SIMDIS analysis of n-alkanes in middle distillate products, serving as an indirect yet effective method for tracking bio-material distribution. SAF yields were ultimately validated by 14C analysis, confirming the feasibility of this approach. We optimized cut point of a jet fraction enabling maximization of retaining green molecules within the kerosene fraction.
Furthermore, coprocessing in hydrocracking (HCK) units results in significantly higher concentrations of HVO compared to coprocessing in hydrodesulfurization (HDT) units.
The hydrocracker unit, initially commissioned in 1991 and revamped in 2009 to optimize middle distillate production, mirrors evolving fuel market trends. This study explores the coprocessing of Used Cooking Oil (UCO), not containing palm oil, within a single-stage, once-through Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) hydrocracker loaded with a catalyst system providing good cold flow properties for diesel and kerosene at 95% overall conversion. It encapsulates the practical experiences of a Central European refiner from commercial-scale coprocessing trials, highlighting the advantages and challenges, including yields, properties, and operational bottlenecks.
The research investigates the balance between Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) bio content and kerosene cold flow properties through two test runs, each incorporating 5% bio feedstock coprocessing. Findings from these trials reveal that distillation overlaps can be strategically utilized to optimize SAF bio content while adhering to cold flow property specifications fulfilling JET A1 specification.
The initial test run provided insights into the cold-flow characteristics and behavior of paraffins, facilitating the consistent achievement of maximum SAF yields in the subsequent test run. This was achieved through timely SIMDIS analysis of n-alkanes in middle distillate products, serving as an indirect yet effective method for tracking bio-material distribution. SAF yields were ultimately validated by 14C analysis, confirming the feasibility of this approach. We optimized cut point of a jet fraction enabling maximization of retaining green molecules within the kerosene fraction.
Furthermore, coprocessing in hydrocracking (HCK) units results in significantly higher concentrations of HVO compared to coprocessing in hydrodesulfurization (HDT) units.
The aviation sector is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) committing to cut emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2050. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a key solution, offering a near drop-in replacement for conventional Jet A-1 fuel. However, large-scale SAF production faces challenges due to high capital investment and complex multi-step processing in conventional pathways like Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA).
To address these challenges, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has developed HP- Triglycerides to Jet fuels (HP-TriJet), an innovative single-step hydroprocessing technology that converts Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Green Diesel. Unlike conventional processes that require separate hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and isomerization stages, HP-TriJet seamlessly integrates depropanation, deoxygenation, hydrocracking, and isomerization within a single reactor system, utilizing a proprietary catalyst and optimized process conditions for efficient fuel production
Key features of HP-TriJet include:
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) estimates that 3 MMT of UCO can be recovered annually, providing a significant domestic feedstock source for SAF production. In alignment with global decarbonization goals, HPCL has completed the Basic and Front-End Engineering Design for a 7.4 KTPA HP-TriJet plant. With project implementation in progress, HP-TriJet is emerging as a cost-effective and scalable solution for advancing low-carbon aviation and transportation fuels
This game-changing technology provides a sustainable, economically viable, and industrially scalable solution for reducing fossil fuel dependency in the aviation and transport sectors.
To address these challenges, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has developed HP- Triglycerides to Jet fuels (HP-TriJet), an innovative single-step hydroprocessing technology that converts Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Green Diesel. Unlike conventional processes that require separate hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and isomerization stages, HP-TriJet seamlessly integrates depropanation, deoxygenation, hydrocracking, and isomerization within a single reactor system, utilizing a proprietary catalyst and optimized process conditions for efficient fuel production
Key features of HP-TriJet include:
- Flexible product yields: Capable of producing up to 35% SAF (meeting Jet A-1 specifications) or 80% Green Diesel (compliant with EN 15940:2016 Class A standards) based on operating conditions.
- Lower capital and operating costs: A single-step process eliminates the need for multiple reactors and reduces hydrogen consumption, improving economic feasibility.
- Scalability and refinery integration: Enables co-processing with conventional feedstocks, allowing refineries to transition towards renewable fuel production without major infrastructure modifications.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) estimates that 3 MMT of UCO can be recovered annually, providing a significant domestic feedstock source for SAF production. In alignment with global decarbonization goals, HPCL has completed the Basic and Front-End Engineering Design for a 7.4 KTPA HP-TriJet plant. With project implementation in progress, HP-TriJet is emerging as a cost-effective and scalable solution for advancing low-carbon aviation and transportation fuels
This game-changing technology provides a sustainable, economically viable, and industrially scalable solution for reducing fossil fuel dependency in the aviation and transport sectors.
Ahmed AlJameel
Speaker
Energy & Climate Policy Researcher
Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London
United Kingdom
The aviation sector is among the hard to decarbonise sectors due to its reliance on high-energy-density fuels and long technology turnover cycles. While alternative technologies such as hydrogen fuel and electrification remain in early stage, alternative drop-in fuels, especially Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAFs), offer a near- to mid-term solution for emissions reduction, requiring minimal changes to existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure. However, these fuels continue to face economic and market barriers, including high production costs, limited supply, and inadequate policy support.
For instance, e-kerosene which is a power-to liquid (PtL) sustainable aviation fuel is currently 5 times more expensive than conventional kerosene fuel. If the carbon source of the synthetic PtL fuel is from negative emissions using Direct-Air Capture (DAC), this price gap increases further up to 6 times more expensive than the current price of conventional fuel. Although that the current price of the biomass-based SAF is just around 3 times, however there are resource availability limitation especially in the arid and semi-arid regions, which give rise to energy security issues when these feedstocks are imported from somewhere else. LCAF which is a fossil-based clean aviation fuel exhibits the smallest price difference due to the fact that its price is calculated based on adding a premium equal the abatement cost. However, LCAF only reduce 10% of the lifecycle emissions of the aviation fuel, unlike other SAFs which reach 50-70% reduction.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) holds a strategic position in global aviation to serve as a connection hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa, while also managing a rapidly growing domestic and international air travel market. As part of KSA Vision 2030, the country aims to transform its aviation sector by tripling its capacity while maintaining environmental sustainability. A major milestone in this effort is the development of Red Sea Airport, which is set to become the first carbon-neutral airport in the region, with Fly Red Sea fuelled exclusively with SAF and LCAF. Despite these opportunities, the sector still relies almost entirely on conventional jet fuels with the absence of any policy incentives to support alternative fuels.
This research proposes a novel design of market-based mechanisms (MBMs) to accelerate the uptake of alternative drop-in fuels in KSA aviation sector. In addition, a novel agent-based model (ABM) was developed to simulate the diffusion pathways for these alternative drop-in fuels under different MBM scenarios in KSA air fleet. The study provides insights on the optimal intervention mixes to accelerate decarbonisation in KSA aviation sector.
For instance, e-kerosene which is a power-to liquid (PtL) sustainable aviation fuel is currently 5 times more expensive than conventional kerosene fuel. If the carbon source of the synthetic PtL fuel is from negative emissions using Direct-Air Capture (DAC), this price gap increases further up to 6 times more expensive than the current price of conventional fuel. Although that the current price of the biomass-based SAF is just around 3 times, however there are resource availability limitation especially in the arid and semi-arid regions, which give rise to energy security issues when these feedstocks are imported from somewhere else. LCAF which is a fossil-based clean aviation fuel exhibits the smallest price difference due to the fact that its price is calculated based on adding a premium equal the abatement cost. However, LCAF only reduce 10% of the lifecycle emissions of the aviation fuel, unlike other SAFs which reach 50-70% reduction.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) holds a strategic position in global aviation to serve as a connection hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa, while also managing a rapidly growing domestic and international air travel market. As part of KSA Vision 2030, the country aims to transform its aviation sector by tripling its capacity while maintaining environmental sustainability. A major milestone in this effort is the development of Red Sea Airport, which is set to become the first carbon-neutral airport in the region, with Fly Red Sea fuelled exclusively with SAF and LCAF. Despite these opportunities, the sector still relies almost entirely on conventional jet fuels with the absence of any policy incentives to support alternative fuels.
This research proposes a novel design of market-based mechanisms (MBMs) to accelerate the uptake of alternative drop-in fuels in KSA aviation sector. In addition, a novel agent-based model (ABM) was developed to simulate the diffusion pathways for these alternative drop-in fuels under different MBM scenarios in KSA air fleet. The study provides insights on the optimal intervention mixes to accelerate decarbonisation in KSA aviation sector.
In the mission to address climate change and secure a sustainable future, biofuels emerge as a source of optimism. By significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels not only enhance air quality but also mitigate environmental degradation. They offer a pathway to energy independence, diminishing our reliance on depleting fossil fuel reserves. Embracing biofuels is more than an environmental choice; it's a stride towards economic resilience and sustainable development. Recently, the spotlight has turned to hydrocracking units in biofuel production, unveiling promising avenues for creating Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). These advancements underscore the transformative potential of biofuels in our journey towards a cleaner planet, reducing CO2 emissions from fossil feedstocks.
The hydrocracker unit, initially commissioned in 1991 and revamped in 2009 to optimize middle distillate production, mirrors evolving fuel market trends. This study explores the coprocessing of Used Cooking Oil (UCO), not containing palm oil, within a single-stage, once-through Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) hydrocracker loaded with a catalyst system providing good cold flow properties for diesel and kerosene at 95% overall conversion. It encapsulates the practical experiences of a Central European refiner from commercial-scale coprocessing trials, highlighting the advantages and challenges, including yields, properties, and operational bottlenecks.
The research investigates the balance between Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) bio content and kerosene cold flow properties through two test runs, each incorporating 5% bio feedstock coprocessing. Findings from these trials reveal that distillation overlaps can be strategically utilized to optimize SAF bio content while adhering to cold flow property specifications fulfilling JET A1 specification.
The initial test run provided insights into the cold-flow characteristics and behavior of paraffins, facilitating the consistent achievement of maximum SAF yields in the subsequent test run. This was achieved through timely SIMDIS analysis of n-alkanes in middle distillate products, serving as an indirect yet effective method for tracking bio-material distribution. SAF yields were ultimately validated by 14C analysis, confirming the feasibility of this approach. We optimized cut point of a jet fraction enabling maximization of retaining green molecules within the kerosene fraction.
Furthermore, coprocessing in hydrocracking (HCK) units results in significantly higher concentrations of HVO compared to coprocessing in hydrodesulfurization (HDT) units.
The hydrocracker unit, initially commissioned in 1991 and revamped in 2009 to optimize middle distillate production, mirrors evolving fuel market trends. This study explores the coprocessing of Used Cooking Oil (UCO), not containing palm oil, within a single-stage, once-through Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO) hydrocracker loaded with a catalyst system providing good cold flow properties for diesel and kerosene at 95% overall conversion. It encapsulates the practical experiences of a Central European refiner from commercial-scale coprocessing trials, highlighting the advantages and challenges, including yields, properties, and operational bottlenecks.
The research investigates the balance between Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) bio content and kerosene cold flow properties through two test runs, each incorporating 5% bio feedstock coprocessing. Findings from these trials reveal that distillation overlaps can be strategically utilized to optimize SAF bio content while adhering to cold flow property specifications fulfilling JET A1 specification.
The initial test run provided insights into the cold-flow characteristics and behavior of paraffins, facilitating the consistent achievement of maximum SAF yields in the subsequent test run. This was achieved through timely SIMDIS analysis of n-alkanes in middle distillate products, serving as an indirect yet effective method for tracking bio-material distribution. SAF yields were ultimately validated by 14C analysis, confirming the feasibility of this approach. We optimized cut point of a jet fraction enabling maximization of retaining green molecules within the kerosene fraction.
Furthermore, coprocessing in hydrocracking (HCK) units results in significantly higher concentrations of HVO compared to coprocessing in hydrodesulfurization (HDT) units.
Madan Kumar Kumaravelan
Speaker
Chief Manager - R&D
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
India
The aviation sector is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) committing to cut emissions to 50% of 2005 levels by 2050. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a key solution, offering a near drop-in replacement for conventional Jet A-1 fuel. However, large-scale SAF production faces challenges due to high capital investment and complex multi-step processing in conventional pathways like Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA).
To address these challenges, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has developed HP- Triglycerides to Jet fuels (HP-TriJet), an innovative single-step hydroprocessing technology that converts Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Green Diesel. Unlike conventional processes that require separate hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and isomerization stages, HP-TriJet seamlessly integrates depropanation, deoxygenation, hydrocracking, and isomerization within a single reactor system, utilizing a proprietary catalyst and optimized process conditions for efficient fuel production
Key features of HP-TriJet include:
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) estimates that 3 MMT of UCO can be recovered annually, providing a significant domestic feedstock source for SAF production. In alignment with global decarbonization goals, HPCL has completed the Basic and Front-End Engineering Design for a 7.4 KTPA HP-TriJet plant. With project implementation in progress, HP-TriJet is emerging as a cost-effective and scalable solution for advancing low-carbon aviation and transportation fuels
This game-changing technology provides a sustainable, economically viable, and industrially scalable solution for reducing fossil fuel dependency in the aviation and transport sectors.
To address these challenges, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has developed HP- Triglycerides to Jet fuels (HP-TriJet), an innovative single-step hydroprocessing technology that converts Used Cooking Oil (UCO) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Green Diesel. Unlike conventional processes that require separate hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and isomerization stages, HP-TriJet seamlessly integrates depropanation, deoxygenation, hydrocracking, and isomerization within a single reactor system, utilizing a proprietary catalyst and optimized process conditions for efficient fuel production
Key features of HP-TriJet include:
- Flexible product yields: Capable of producing up to 35% SAF (meeting Jet A-1 specifications) or 80% Green Diesel (compliant with EN 15940:2016 Class A standards) based on operating conditions.
- Lower capital and operating costs: A single-step process eliminates the need for multiple reactors and reduces hydrogen consumption, improving economic feasibility.
- Scalability and refinery integration: Enables co-processing with conventional feedstocks, allowing refineries to transition towards renewable fuel production without major infrastructure modifications.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) estimates that 3 MMT of UCO can be recovered annually, providing a significant domestic feedstock source for SAF production. In alignment with global decarbonization goals, HPCL has completed the Basic and Front-End Engineering Design for a 7.4 KTPA HP-TriJet plant. With project implementation in progress, HP-TriJet is emerging as a cost-effective and scalable solution for advancing low-carbon aviation and transportation fuels
This game-changing technology provides a sustainable, economically viable, and industrially scalable solution for reducing fossil fuel dependency in the aviation and transport sectors.
