The energy giant BP has announced that it has successfully obtained the Defence Standard from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the co-processing of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with a feedstock concentration of up to 30% renewable hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), marking a substantial rise from the existing limit of 5%.
The Defence Standard milestone was reached through cooperation with industry stakeholders, such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), fuel producers, and airline companies, aimed at reducing lifecycle carbon emissions within the aviation industry.
Co-processing is a technique that involves the simultaneous processing of vegetable oils, waste oils, fats, and other sustainable feedstocks alongside traditional feedstocks in current refineries. This method facilitates the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and can be implemented rapidly, utilizing the existing fuel distribution network, which is particularly vital during the initial scaling phase of SAF production.
This advancement enables BP and other fuel manufacturers to enhance SAF production at greater concentrations by leveraging existing refinery processing units. Co-processing in refineries represents a significant stride towards minimizing emissions in the aviation sector. BP is already engaged in SAF production through co-processing at its refineries and intends to augment its renewable feedstock usage starting in 2025.
The integration of co-processing into the aviation fuel standard, Def Stan 91-091, further advances the efforts of the Ministry of Defence to minimize the carbon footprint of the armed forces by enhancing the accessibility of SAF, which has been utilized for regular operations at RAF Lossiemouth since 2024.
“Defence Standard approval for co-processing SAF is a significant milestone for the industry, and I’d like to thank our partners for their support and input in achieving this. Co-processing produces high-quality fuel that meets stringent aviation standards, while helping to increase the volume of SAF available to customers,” said Federica Berra, senior vice president, Air BP.
Colonel Pete Skinsley, MOD Operational Energy Authority (OEA) Deputy Head Operations said: “I’m delighted that the updated Def Stan 91-091 has been published, demonstrating our continued commitment to sustainable aviation fuel. The co-processing of SAF is a major step toward reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector while sustaining operational demands. This achievement is a great example of a collaborative effort with our industry partners and the wider aviation industry.”
This initiative stems from a three-year effort at BP’s Bochum technology centre, leveraging pilot plant and analytical testing resources to enhance these capabilities. The project encompassed data synthesis and collaboration with stakeholders such as OEMs, IATA, fuel manufacturers, and airline companies, exemplifying the potential outcomes of industry collaboration.
