TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is collaborating with state-owned CPC Corp. to import sustainable aviation fuel this year, with plans to begin domestic production in 2026.

The aviation industry accounts for an estimated 2% to 3% of global carbon emissions, and decarbonizing aviation is more challenging than land transportation. Sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as a key solution to reduce emissions in the sector, per CNA.

This year, SAF will be introduced at Songshan, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan airports for use by domestic airlines. The MOTC encourages airlines to use 5% SAF on international flights by 2030, aiming for a net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s average annual aviation fuel supply is 3 million kiloliters. With a planned 10% SAF blend, Taiwan’s demand is expected to reach 300,000 kiloliters by 2030, based on domestic airline sustainability goals and refinery production scale.

SAF is primarily made from renewable resources such as used cooking oil, agricultural and forestry residues like wood chips, and similar materials. Compared to fossil fuels, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and can be blended with traditional fuels.

MOTC Deputy Minister Chen Yen-po (陳彥伯) said SAF domestic production will occur in several stages. Small-scale pilot trials have already taken place this year, with Formosa Plastics Group and CPC Corp. producing SAF from used cooking oil, according to UDN Money.

The National Science and Technology Council highlighted Taiwan's technological research and development capabilities and stressed the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration. In the short term, it recommends focusing on securing stable SAF feedstock supply and establishing SAF production clusters and demonstration zones.

In the long term, the council proposes attracting international flights to refuel with SAF in Taiwan. It aims to position the country as an SAF production and transshipment hub in the Asia-Pacific region.