The Philippines energy department affirms commitment to sustainable aviation fuel

In pursuit of adopting alternative fuels in the transport sector, particularly in the aviation industry, the Philippines DOE is collaborating closely with the country’s aviation sector and international partners to decarbonize commercial aviation industry through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

SAF is an environmentally sustainable drop-in alternative to fossil fuel-based aviation fuel.

SAF can be processed from a variety of feedstock such as forestry and agricultural waste and used vegetable oils.

In the Philippines, one potential feedstock for SAF is coconut oil, which is also used for biodiesel production.

Alongside this, the Philippines DOE said it acknowledges international initiatives such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which offers a harmonized way to reduce emissions from international aviation.

CORSIA allows the use of SAF derived from biomass or waste resources in order to reduce the carbon-offsetting requirements of airlines.

“Under CORSIA’s timetable, participating ICAO member states are mandated to comply with the CO2 offsetting requirements by 2024-’26 while the mandatory compliance was set for 2027-’35,” stated the Philippines DOE.

As an ICAO member, the Philippines joined CORSIA in December 2018 through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

“Likewise, Section 9.2 of Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, which establishes the National Biofuels Board is mandated to recommend to the DOE the use of biofuel blends in air transport considering the safety and technical viability,” stated the Philippines DOE.

In February, a stakeholders meeting was conducted among DOE, CAAP, Philippine National Oil Co. and the European Aviation Safety Agency to discuss the potential advantage of exploring SAF in the country in preparation for CORSIA’s compliance by 2027.

EASA has also prepared a proposal for the SAF-readiness evaluation for the Philippines, and it is expected to be completed by December.

“The use of SAF is intended to reduce the carbon footprint associated with aviation operations,” said Alessandro Sales, undersecretary of the Philippines DOE. “This alternative fuel source, derived from renewable feedstock, holds the potential to lower greenhouse-gas emissions while ensuring the highest safety and performance standard. As a commitment to creating a sustainable aviation transport sector that will contribute to the broader national efforts towards a low-carbon future, the DOE is working to establish the necessary framework and regulations to support the adoption of [SAF].”