Development orientation for sustainable aviation fuel of the Petrovietnam Refining and Petrochemical Corporation
Abstract
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plays an important role in the aviation sector’s decarbonization pathway due to its compatibility with existing aircraft engines and fuel infrastructure, requiring minimal technological modifications. Based on an analysis of the SAF market and policy landscape, an assessment of the maturity of current SAF production technologies, and an evaluation of the potential availability of feedstocks in Vietnam, this study proposes a SAF development roadmap for Petrovietnam Refining and Petrochemical Corporation (BSR) for the periods before and after 2035.
The results indicate that the HEFA (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids) pathway represents the most feasible option for short‑ and medium‑term deployment at the Dung Quat Refinery, owing to its relatively low investment cost, high level of commercialization, and ability to utilize locally available feedstocks such as used cooking oil and fish oil. In the long‑term, as technological and economic barriers continue to decline, the study recommends ongoing monitoring and evaluation of other promising pathways, including alcohol‑to‑jet (ATJ), Fischer-Tropsch (FT) and power‑to‑liquid (PtL). The study also highlights that a comprehensive policy framework, effective financial mechanisms, and a stable feedstock supply chain are critical prerequisites for the successful implementation of SAF projects. These factors will play an important role in supporting Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
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