Transforming Taiwan’s Food Waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A New Path Toward Green Energy
By Weng Yung-chuan (Article in Chinese – See LINK )
Huang Jieping, CEO of Global Energy Technology
Taiwan’s approach to food waste disposal may soon undergo a major transformation. Huang Chieh-ping, CEO of Global Energy Creation Technology, said that converting kitchen waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is not only possible but technologically feasible. The Swedish sustainable technology firm SWESTEP, with cutting edge technology in this field, has developed advanced processes for such conversion, and Global Energy Creation serves as SWESTEP’s exclusive representative in Taiwan.
According to Huang, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment is currently exploring ways to promote the energy recovery and reuse of food waste. The ministry is drafting the Resource Circulation Promotion Act to upgrade food waste processing technologies and transform discarded materials into renewable energy resources.
SAF is a new-generation fuel produced from renewable materials such as plants, seeds, and used cooking oil. Unlike conventional fossil-based jet fuel, it can drastically cut carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. “Aviation accounts for about 2–3% of global CO₂ emissions,” Huang explained. “Using SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, making it something of a dream fuel”.
Europe and the United States are leading Asia in SAF development and adoption. Japan Airlines (JAL) conducted Asia’s first experimental flight using SAF in 2009, and since 2021, commercial flights have been operating with SAF blends. Both JAL and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have emphasized that SAF will be indispensable to the aviation industry’s future.
Huang further revealed that SWESTEP has already launched new projects in Taiwan focusing on SAF and green power, engaging in discussions with major international companies in the aviation, maritime, and energy sectors. Meanwhile, Yuan Yu Biotechnology, a local bamboo furniture manufacturer, plans to adopt SWESTEP’s technology to convert bamboo waste into SAF — potentially becoming the world’s first example of turning bamboo residues into aviation fuel.
SOURCE – Economic Daily News
