Axens Launches First 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Unit in Asia

Axens has inaugurated a pioneering 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production unit in Asia, capable of converting renewable feedstock into high-value SAF. This innovative facility employs a unique two-stage vegan process, allowing for flexible production of either SAF or renewable diesel without needing additional hydrocracking. The unit has shown stable operations since its launch, emphasizing Axens' commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The project exemplifies how existing refinery infrastructures can be retrofitted for renewable fuel production, marking a significant advancement in the energy transition.

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Published Sep 17, 2025

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In a significant advancement for the energy sector, Axens has successfully launched the first fully operational sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production unit in Asia, marking a pivotal moment in the global transition towards renewable energy. This innovative facility, designed to convert 300,000 tonnes per annum of renewable feedstock into high-value SAF, showcases Axens' commitment to developing cutting-edge, efficient solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

What distinguishes this facility from conventional technologies is its unique vegan process, which allows for the production of 100% SAF without the co-production of renewable diesel unless specifically desired. This advantage positions the unit to maximize SAF output, a crucial factor as the aviation sector strives to meet ambitious decarbonization targets. The streamlined two-stage process, enhanced by the innovative Axens 700 series catalyst, not only simplifies production but significantly reduces capital expenditure for refiners.

Since its inception a few months ago, the unit has demonstrated remarkable stability and positive performance, highlighting the efficiency and reliability of this groundbreaking technology. The ability to seamlessly transition between producing 100% SAF and 100% renewable diesel offers refiners the agility needed to respond to fluctuating market conditions and regulatory requirements without extensive infrastructure modifications.

As demand for SAF surges, driven by corporate sustainability initiatives and regulatory mandates, this pioneering technology presents a scalable solution that can expedite the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Additionally, Axens’ vegan technology, which operates on second-generation hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), can process a diverse range of lipid feedstocks, including waste materials like used cooking oil and animal fats, further amplifying the sustainability of the production process.

This successful project serves as a powerful model for the industry, demonstrating the potential for retrofitting existing refinery infrastructures to yield high-quality renewable fuels. The recent contract with Haike Chemicals for a SAF project in China underscores the growing adoption of Axens’ solutions across Asia, solidifying the company’s role as a leader in the sustainable energy landscape.