Pertamina Builds 6,000 Bph Bioavtur Refinery in Cilacap to Support 2050 SAF Targets
- Jun 8
- 1 min read
Pertamina has officially broken ground on a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or bioavtur refinery in Cilacap with a capacity of 6,000 barrels per day (bph). In the initial phase, production will reach 3,000 bph and will later be increased to 6,000 bph to reduce aviation fuel imports while cutting carbon emissions by up to 600,000 tons. The refinery will utilize a blend of crude palm oil (CPO), used cooking oil (UCO), and palm oil mill effluent (POME), and has partnered with approximately 2,700 households to supply used cooking oil. The project, valued at around US$1.1 billion, has achieved a 30% domestic content level (TKDN) and has secured purchase commitments from several airlines.
The development of the bioavtur refinery is projected to support the global net-zero emission target by 2050, with SAF expected to contribute 65–70% of the total emissions reduction required in the aviation sector. Despite facing significant challenges, including large investment requirements and uncertainty over offtakers, Pertamina aims to commence operations in 2029. The project forms part of the national downstreaming and energy transition strategy to strengthen energy security while accelerating decarbonization in the aviation sector.
Source:
