SK Energy to open Korea’s first SAF plant

In South Korea, The Korea Economic Daily reports SK Energy will launch the country’s first sustainable aviation fuel production line next month using a co-processing method that blends bio-materials like used cooking oil with petroleum, addressing rising global demand for cleaner aviation fuel and stricter regulations. This method allows SAF production without significant changes to the refiner’s existing infrastructure.

South Korea is set to require international flights to use at least 1% SAF by 2027, following the European Union’s 2% mandate by 2025. SK Energy’s move supports efforts to reduce carbon emissions in aviation, which faces increasing pressure to meet international climate goals.

The company plans to supply SAF to Korean Air and other airlines, with potential expansion if demand continues to rise, building a full value chain from raw material sourcing to production and distribution.