Keppel, Aster collaborate on commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet SAF project in Singapore

Keppel Ltd. announced Jan. 28 that it has entered into an agreement with Aster to jointly assess the development of one of Asia’s first commercial‑scale ethanol‑to‑jet (ETJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facilities on Jurong Island, Singapore.

The proposed plant is expected to have a planned production capacity of up to 100,000 metric tons of SAF per year, subject to final-investment decision (FID) and regulatory approvals.

Under the agreement, Keppel and Aster will carry out front‑end engineering design (FEED) studies for the proposed facility, which will use best-in-class ETJ technology to convert low‑carbon ethanol into SAF.

The FEED will evaluate the technical configuration, project capex and potential financing and offtake structures needed to reach FID.

A prior feasibility study has been completed to validate the technical and commercial viability of the facility’s SAF production.

The project is envisioned to be one of Asia’s first purpose-built ETJ SAF facilities, supporting both Singapore’s national SAF target and the growing needs of regional airlines.

The ETJ pathway will enable the proposed facility to draw on a range of bioethanol feedstocks, while retaining flexibility to adapt as regional bioethanol markets evolve.

Through close coordination with agencies including the Economic Development Board and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), the proposed facility is aligned with Singapore’s ambition to become a leading SAF hub in Asia and supports ongoing efforts to decarbonize Singapore’s aviation ecosystem.

By locating production on Jurong Island, the project can leverage existing industrial infrastructure and logistics while creating new opportunities for sustainable fuels in the region.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most practical and impactful levers available today to decarbonize air travel, and demand from airlines and passengers is growing rapidly,” said Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel’s infrastructure division. “Keppel is pleased to partner with Aster on this first‑of‑its‑kind commercial‑scale ethanol‑to‑jet SAF project on Jurong Island, supporting Singapore’s ambitions to be a leading SAF hub in Asia. By combining Aster’s refining and chemical expertise with Keppel’s capabilities in developing, integrating and operating complex energy and environmental assets, this project aims to deliver a bankable, scalable end‑to‑end solution to produce SAF close to where airlines need it. We look forward to working closely with regulators, offtakers and other ecosystem partners to accelerate the adoption of SAF in the region and support the broader net‑zero transition.”

Erwin Ciputra, CEO of Aster, said, “This agreement with Keppel represents a defining step in shaping the future of SAF in Singapore and the wider region. Aster brings deep experience in refining and chemicals, and by combining this with Keppel’s infrastructure strengths, we are advancing a future ready, first of a kind ethanol-to-jet pathway in our region designed to accelerate aviation decarbonization. This partnership reflects our commitment to the energy transition and to supporting Singapore’s ambition to become a leading low‑carbon fuels hub, while meeting the region’s growing SAF demand.”

Lim Wey-Len, EDB executive vice president, added, “This partnership between Keppel and Aster reflects Singapore’s role as a hub for low-carbon technologies and sustainable products. We look forward to partnering like-minded companies to scale and advance sustainable solutions that shape the future energy and low carbon solutions.”

Jeannie Lim, EnterpriseSG’s assistant managing director of services and growth enterprises, said, “Enterprise Singapore is proud to support Keppel’s partnership with Aster in developing next-generation SAF capabilities in Singapore, paving the way for other Singapore enterprises to enter the growing SAF ecosystem. The project demonstrates Keppel’s capabilities to lead in the development of innovative sustainable energy solutions to support global energy-transition goals. We are pleased to support a homegrown champion, and we look forward to the continued partnership with Keppel as they scale their SAF expertise and pursue growth opportunities in international markets.”