Axens Launches Asia’s First Full-Scale SAF Unit

Axens has reached a groundbreaking milestone with the successful startup of Asia’s first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit. Located at a major industrial site in Asia, the facility has the capacity to process 300,000 tons of renewable feedstock annually, delivering much-needed sustainable fuel solutions to the aviation sector.

The plant represents a major step forward in global efforts to decarbonize air travel, offering a scalable and efficient pathway to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. This achievement comes at a time when demand for SAF is surging, driven by international commitments to cut carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.

Innovative Technology Driving Energy Transition

This project is the result of revamping existing hydroprocessing assets, making it a cost-effective and resource-efficient solution. At the heart of the upgrade is Axens’ Vegan® technology, powered by its advanced 700 series catalyst system.

Unlike conventional processes, the Vegan® unit eliminates the need for an additional hydrocracking stage, significantly reducing complexity and capital expenditure. It also offers full flexibility to switch between producing 100% Renewable Diesel (RD) and 100% SAF, enabling operators to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and demands.

Since its launch a few months ago, the plant has demonstrated stable performance and reliable output, proving the robustness of Axens’ design and technology. This operational success underscores the role of innovative catalyst systems in driving efficiency and sustainability.

Shaping the Future of Aviation Fuels

By converting renewable feedstock entirely into SAF, this facility provides a model for how existing infrastructure can be repurposed to meet future energy needs. It offers the aviation industry a scalable, flexible, and capital-efficient pathway to achieve net-zero goals.

This milestone also highlights Axens’ leadership in renewable fuel technologies and its commitment to delivering practical, high-performance solutions for customers worldwide.

As the aviation industry faces growing pressure to decarbonize, projects like this one demonstrate that innovation and collaboration are key to building sustainable fuel supply chains for the future.

OMS Perspective:
At OMS, we continue to monitor advancements in renewable fuel technologies like SAF production, aligning our solutions and expertise to support the global energy transition. Our commitment remains focused on helping industries innovate, optimize operations, and meet sustainability goals through data-driven strategies and next-generation solutions.