Hong Kong and China Gas to produce biofuel for jet planes as Cathay, global airlines aim to reduce carbon footprint
- Cathay Pacific secures some jet biofuel supply from US, but needs more to meet 2030 pledge
- Airlines heed climate warnings, but sustainable aviation fuel remains costly, in short supply
Hong Kong and China Gas (Towngas) will begin producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in small batches by the end of this year in a step towards meeting growing demand from airlines keen to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Production will be done at its plant in Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu province, and will initially yield 50,000 tonnes annually, according to a company spokeswoman. The alternative fuel will be developed from hydro-treated vegetable oil.
“We are in the implementation stage and working on commercial arrangements with [prospective customers], so it may not be appropriate to disclose details at the moment,” she said.
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific last week pledged to use SAFs for 10 per cent of its total fuel consumption by 2030, joining a string of global airlines including British Airways and Delta Air Lines in making the commitment.
While airlines globally have pledged net-zero emissions by 2050, SAFs are more expensive to produce and remain in relatively short supply.