The Philippines took a significant step toward developing its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry last week, hosting its first SAF summit in Manila. The event, organized by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in collaboration with the Philippines Department of Transportation and Boeing, brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and industry.
The summit focused on critical aspects of SAF development, including feedstock dynamics, technologies, certification pathways, financing, and lifecycle analysis methodologies. Caleb Wurth, USGC regional director for Southeast Asia & Oceania, emphasized the opportunity for the Philippines to "onshore energy production by leveraging domestic resources and talent."
As the largest ethanol trading partner of the U.S. in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has seen a 450% increase in ethanol production since implementing its E10 mandate in 2013. The country recently approved a discretionary E20 policy, further demonstrating its commitment to biofuel production and utilization.
The archipelagic nation, with its pre-pandemic jet fuel consumption of 740 million gallons annually, stands to benefit significantly from SAF development. As a net importer of jet fuel, the Philippines could enhance its fuel security and capture economic value through SAF production.
The USGC continues to work closely with the Philippine government and industry stakeholders to promote increased ethanol use in the country's transportation fuel mix, positioning the Philippines as a potential leader in the emerging SAF market.
