SK Energy launches SAF production line

South Korean refiner SK Energy launched the country’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production line at Ulsan.

Using co-processing technology, SK Energy’s SAF production line will use bio-feedstocks with traditional oil refining processes to simultaneously produce both petroleum and low-carbon products, including SAF.

“As the first company in Korea to achieve continuous SAF production through co-processing, we are well-prepared to meet the upcoming mandatory SAF blending requirements,” said Hong Kwang-pyo, head of strategy division, SK Energy.

“We will continue to monitor both domestic and international SAF policies and market conditions closely to explore further expansion of our SAF production capabilities.”

The company said a dedicated pipeline will ensure a continuous supply of bio-feedstocks to achieve uninterrupted SAF production.

SK Energy will begin supplying SAF to Korean Air passenger flights from early next year, aligning with the company’s broader strategy of market expansion.

SK Energy has secured multiple certifications to support SAF production and sales, including ISCC CORSIA, ISCC EU, and ISCC PLUS.

Earlier this month, the company supplied SAF produced from used cooking oil and animal fats to the country’s flag carrier Korean Air for its inaugural SAF-powered flight KE719 from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Haneda.