SOCAR exploring SAF production at Turkey site

State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) is exploring potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the Star Oil Refinery in Turkey, according to reports.

“We anticipate a growing demand for biofuels in the oil refining sector and we are currently working on a related project, which is for the production of Sustainable Aviation  Fuel (SAF). The project is in the technical assessment phase, and we believe it will be the biggest transformation at the refinery. We have already started working on this project,” said Kenan Mirzayev, head of SOCAR Türkiye’s oil refining and petrochemical unit.

Earlier in May last year, Turkish oil refining company Tupraş shared progress on its plans to produce SAF at its Izmir refinery.

The company stated that detailed engineering studies are ongoing and are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

This follows the strategic transformation plan announced in November 2021, which included a target for SAF production.

The final investment decision for the project will be made after the completion of the engineering studies. Tupraş is also working with Tiryaki Agro and Tupraş Trading to secure a reliable supply of raw materials for SAF production. These raw materials will consist of second-generation plant and animal waste.