Axens starts up first 100% SAF plant in Asia using Vegan hydroprocessing technology

French technology provider Axens has commissioned what it describes as the world's first commercial-scale unit dedicated to producing 100% sustainable aviation fuel, located at an undisclosed site in Asia, the company said in a statement on Sept. 4.

The facility, based on Axens' proprietary Vegan hydroprocessing technology, has the capacity to convert up to 300,000 mt/year of renewable feedstock entirely into SAF.

Unlike conventional renewable fuel plants that co-produce renewable diesel, the Vegan process is designed to maximize aviation fuel output without requiring an additional hydrocracking stage.

The unit is a revamp of existing hydroprocessing assets and operates with Axens' 700 series catalyst system.

The two-stage configuration enables producers to switch flexibly between full renewable diesel or full SAF output depending on market demand, according to the company.

Axens said the plant has been running stably for several months, demonstrating reliable performance in 100% SAF mode.

The French technology provider called the project a "major milestone" for both the company and its partners, highlighting its contribution to delivering more efficient and capital-light solutions for the energy transition.

Axens, a subsidiary of IFP Energies Nouvelles, supplies technologies, catalysts, equipment and services for clean fuels, petrochemicals, recycling, natural gas, water treatment, and carbon capture.

"This is a major milestone for Axens Group, partners and customers, contributing to ease the energy transition through more flexible, more efficient and less Capex intensive solutions," the company said. The technology processes renewable feedstocks through the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, currently the dominant SAF production method globally.

Asia-Pacific emerges as SAF export hub

The timing of this facility's launch aligns with Asia-Pacific's emergence as a potential SAF export powerhouse. The region's SAF production capacity is projected to grow substantially in the next decade, significantly exceeding regional demand.

This surplus positions Asia as a key supplier to markets with stringent SAF mandates, particularly Europe and North America.

Rising policy momentum drives demand

The facility's operational launch coincides with an accelerating policy landscape across Asia.

Singapore will implement a 1% SAF mandate starting 2026, while Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea have announced similar requirements beginning 2027. Japan is finalizing a 10% SAF target for 2030, and India plans to introduce 1% mandates by 2027, escalating to 5% by 2030.

These policy developments are expected to generate millions of tonnes of SAF demand within the region by 2030.

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines has committed to 5% SAF usage by 2030, representing approximately 43 international carriers including Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Thai Airways.

Feedstock advantages in SE Asia

Asia-Pacific's competitive advantage stems largely from feedstock availability and cost structures.

The region produces abundant agricultural residues, including palm oil mill effluent, rice husks and used cooking oil, providing lower-cost SAF production compared with other regions.

Malaysia and Indonesia, major palm oil producers, are developing policies to channel palm waste toward SAF production rather than export markets.

Axens has been expanding its regional presence, recently securing contracts with Malaysian energy company LOKEN and announcing three new Vegan technology licenses across Malaysia, Pakistan, and Portugal in January 2025.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the Asian SAF-Jet Fuel spread at $1,272.84/mt on Sept. 3, down $14.49/mt day over day.