Keppel, Aster team up for ethanol-to-jet SAF plant in Singapore
Keppel’s Infrastructure Division announced that it has entered in an agreement with Aster to jointly assess the development of one of Asia’s first commercial‑scale ethanol‑to‑jet (EtJ) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facilities on Jurong Island, Singapore.
“By combining Aster’s refining and chemical expertise with Keppel’s capabilities in developing, integrating and operating complex energy and environmental assets, this project aims to deliver a bankable, scalable end‑to‑end solution to produce SAF close to where airlines need it,” said Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel’s Infrastructure Division.
The plant is expected to have a planned production capacity of up to 100,000 tonnes of SAF per year, subject to final investment decision and regulatory approvals.
Keppel and Aster will carry out front‑end engineering design (FEED) studies for the proposed facility, which will use best-in-class EtJ technology to convert low‑carbon ethanol into SAF.
“Aster brings deep experience in refining and chemicals, and by combining this with Keppel’s infrastructure strengths, we are advancing a future ready, first of a kind EtJ pathway in our region, designed to accelerate aviation decarbonisation,” said Erwin Ciputra, CEO of Aster.
The FEED will evaluate the technical configuration, project capex and potential financing and offtake structures needed to reach final investment decision.
A prior feasibility study has been completed to validate the technical and commercial viability of the facility’s SAF production.
The project is envisioned to support both Singapore’s national SAF target and needs of regional airlines. The EtJ pathway will enable the proposed facility to draw on a range of bioethanol feedstocks, while retaining flexibility to adapt as regional bioethanol markets evolve.
With facility planned in Jurong Island, the project can leverage existing industrial infrastructure and logistics, while creating new opportunities for sustainable fuels in the region.
The companies are also working with Singaporean agencies including the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG).
“This partnership between Keppel and Aster reflects Singapore’s role as a hub for low-carbon technologies and sustainable products. We look forward to partnering like-minded companies to scale and advance sustainable solutions that shape the future energy and low carbon solutions,” said Lim Wey-Len, executive vice president, EDB.