Philippines DOE seeks aviation transport decarbonization
The Philippines Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Monday its active collaboration with the country’s aviation sector and international partners to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In a statement, the DOE highlighted SAF as an environmentally sustainable and chemically identical alternative to fossil fuel-based aviation fuel.
In the Philippines, the DOE identified coconut oil (CNO) as a potential feedstock for SAF. Generally, biodiesel producers also use coconut oil in biodiesel production. DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales emphasized that SAF’s adoption aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with aviation operations actively. This alternative fuel source holds the potential to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) while maintaining the highest safety and performance standards. Furthermore, it is derived from renewable feedstock.
Sustainable Aviation Sector
As part of its commitment to creating a sustainable aviation transport sector that contributes to the national goal of a low-carbon future, the DOE is actively working to establish the necessary framework and regulations to support the widespread adoption of SAF, added Sales.
The DOE also highlighted another initiative aimed at decarbonizing the commercial aviation industry. The DOE has named it as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). CORSIA, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provides a standardized approach to reducing emissions from international flights actively. It permits the use of SAF derived from biomass or waste resources to help airlines meet their carbon offsetting requirements.
CORSIA’s timetable mandates that participating ICAO Member States, including the Philippines, must comply with the CO2 offsetting requirements. Mandatory compliance is scheduled for 2027 to 2035, with an interim phase between 2024 and 2026.
Earlier this year, DOE, CAAP, PNOC, and EASA stakeholders actively discussed SAF’s potential benefits for CORSIA compliance by 2027. EASA is currently preparing a proposal for SAF readiness in the Philippines, expected by year’s end. In conclusion, these will lead to a sustainable energy and aviation sectors.
