A waste-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project launched in Indonesia

NextChem, a subsidiary of Maire, is developing a SAF plant in Sumatra using used oils and local biomass effluents, promising up to a 95% reduction in aviation emissions through innovative technologies.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

NextChem, a subsidiary of the Italian company Maire, has announced the launch of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in Sei Mangkei, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. This project is based on proprietary technology aimed at transforming local biomass waste into low-carbon fuel.

Once operational, this facility is expected to produce approximately 60,000 tons of SAF per year, meeting about 5% of the jet fuel demand at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest airport. Production will rely on local resources such as palm oil mill effluent (POME) and used cooking oil (UCO).

A collaboration to validate feasibility

The project was preceded by a feasibility study conducted in collaboration with PT Tripatra Engineers and Constructors, confirming the availability and logistics of the necessary local biomass resources.

The plant’s design relies on two of NextChem’s core technologies: NX PTU and NX SAF BIO. These processes include the pretreatment of raw materials via NX PTU technology and their conversion into SAF through hydrogenation (HEFA process). This method promises to reduce emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Similar projects on a global scale

NextChem is not limiting itself to Indonesia and is expanding its SAF initiatives to other regions. In partnership with KazMunayGas-Aero, the company is developing a similar project in Kazakhstan.

In the United States, NextChem has signed a licensing contract with DG Fuels Louisiana for a project utilizing NX Circular gasification technology. The U.S. plant plans to produce 450 million liters of SAF annually from biomass and waste, with commissioning expected in 2028.

Developments in Europe

In Europe, NextChem is collaborating with Sarlux Srl to integrate its technology into a SAF pilot plant in Sarroch, Italy. The goal is to expand Maire’s technological capabilities in renewable fuels while meeting strict sustainability requirements.

The SAF production cost in Southeast Asia, assessed at $1,834.27/ton on December 18, according to Platts, reflects the evolution of a growing market. These initiatives position NextChem as a key player in the global energy transition.

The federal government is granting $370mn to Canadian canola producers affected by a 75.8% tariff imposed by China, and is introducing fiscal and regulatory measures to strengthen the domestic biofuel industry.
Netherlands-based BTG Bioliquids and Canada’s NanosTech join forces to develop a modular solution for advanced biofuel production, with a project underway in Europe and Canada.
Teréga and GRDF have commissioned a backfeed station in Lot-et-Garonne, showcasing their cooperation to adapt gas networks to the rise of locally produced biomethane in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
An Indonesian ministerial delegation visited China to explore waste-to-energy solutions, as the country moves forward with a $200mn project in Makassar.
Anaergia’s Italian subsidiary has been selected by Nortegas Renovables to build a biomethane facility in Andalusia using agricultural residues.
Mondi SCP will build a new biomass power plant in Ružomberok to boost energy self-sufficiency from 75% to 90% by 2027, with a €120mn ($129mn) investment supported by the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.
With a new EnviThan facility in Aube, EnviTec Biogas reaches 40 units in operation in France and confirms its deployment pace in the biomethane market.
Southwest Gas has submitted an agreement to the California Commission to inject biomethane produced from food and wastewater into its network, in line with SB 1440 regulatory requirements.
Quercus Real Assets and Elionia finalise a €76 mn bank financing to build three biomethane plants in Italy, with 50% of the debt guaranteed by SACE.
VINCI, through its subsidiaries, has established itself in the construction of Spain’s largest second-generation biorefinery, a €1.2bn project aimed at supplying 500,000 tonnes of sustainable fuels per year.
Ameresco commissions a biomethane facility in Lee County, processing 4,500 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, and directly injects this renewable gas into the transmission network to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security.
A $24mn financing supports the construction of a 4.8 MW biomass plant designed to replace diesel in Opitciwan, bringing jobs and enhanced energy security for the Atikamekw community.
SUEZ and RATP Group formalise a supply contract for 100 GWh of renewable electricity per year, over a maximum period of sixteen years, powering the operations of the world’s third largest urban transport operator.
Valmet has secured a contract to supply a biomass boiler and flue gas cleaning system to Saica Group for its production site in El Burgo de Ebro, Spain, as part of its decarbonisation plan.
Qarlbo Biodiversity signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodland Biofuels for the delivery of thinned pine wood from managed forests in the United States to supply the Canadian company’s biomass operations.
The Canadian group Thermal Energy International has secured a CAD 1.4 million contract to install a heat recovery unit at a European malted barley producer, aiming to reduce energy costs and polluting emissions.
The asset takeover process of Global Bioenergies, under a pre-pack disposal procedure, has been extended until 18 July at noon, following requests from potential bidders seeking additional time to assess the French company's financial situation.
SIAAP and SUEZ have inaugurated a new biogas production unit at the Seine Aval wastewater treatment plant, the largest in Europe, as part of a modernization project to strengthen the energy sovereignty of the Paris region.
Canadian company Hydron Energy will supply its innovative INTRUPTor-Mid technology to produce renewable natural gas in Ontario, marking its first commercial order in the biomethane sector with a promise of significant cost reductions.
US President Donald Trump has ratified a law extending until the end of 2029 the tax credit on renewable natural gas production from biomass and animal manure, aiming to boost the rural economy.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.