Mrs. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President, Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, participated in a panel discussion titled "SAF Readiness in Thailand" as the pioneer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production from used cooking oil in Thailand at the Thai Aviation Sustainability Day, organized by the Airlines Association of Thailand at the Stock Exchange of Thailand recently.
Mrs. Gloyta discussed the development direction of SAF in Thailand, the country's energy transition strategies, as well as the challenges and advantages of local SAF production. Bangchak, through its subsidiary BSGF Co., Ltd., has invested THB 8.5 billion to develop SAF production from used cooking oil. The construction of the SAF production unit at Bangchak Phra Khanong refinery is progressing as planned, with production expected to start in early Q2 2025 at a capacity of 1 million liters per day. A raw material collection network has been established through the "No Refry" campaign in collaboration with the Department of Health, and the "Fry to Fly" initiative, involving partnerships with restaurants, shopping malls, convention centers, municipalities, and local organizations, etc. Additionally, used cooking oil collection points have been set up at 281 Bangchak service stations nationwide. Recently, the initiative has expanded through a collaboration with the Bai Mai Pan Suk Foundation to establish "Fry to Fly Stations" at schools for the collection of used cooking oil from schools and students' homes, with plans for continuous expansion. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the company's goal of achieving Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050 and Thailand's goal by 2065.
This panel discussion emphasized Thailand's role in promoting the necessary policies and infrastructure to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, which will enhance economic opportunities and position the country as a leader in clean energy in Southeast Asia.