Idemitsu Kosan and Morisora Biorefinery Partner to Build Domestic ATJ-SAF Supply Chain

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and Morisora Biorefinery LLC have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a supply chain for purely domestic ATJ-SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) starting from bioethanol derived from domestic wood. By connecting domestic second-generation bioethanol (E2G) derived from woody biomass with the ATJ technology that Idemitsu Kosan is currently testing, the companies will jointly study the feasibility of a supply chain that completes everything from raw material development to SAF utilization within Japan.

Morisora Biorefinery aims to produce E2G from domestic wood and utilize it for SAF raw materials. The two companies will connect the domestic E2G planned by Morisora with the ATJ-SAF production that Idemitsu is testing to conduct integrated studies from raw material development to SAF utilization. Specifically, they will study logistics connecting domestic E2G production bases and ATJ-SAF plants, while also disseminating information on domestic ATJ-SAF and considering institutional and environmental improvements for social implementation.

In the aviation industry, the social implementation of SAF is expected to be an effective means of decarbonization. While SAF has multiple raw materials and production methods, HEFA technology is currently leading globally. However, securing raw materials is a challenge for the widespread adoption of SAF, and diversification of raw materials is required from the perspective of energy security. ATJ is a technology that can contribute to the stable procurement and diversification of raw materials by using alcohol produced from various biomass sources as SAF feedstock, and Idemitsu is challenging itself with its demonstration production. If an ATJ-SAF supply chain using domestic E2G derived from non-edible resources like woody biomass is realized, it will be possible to complete the process from raw material production to product manufacturing domestically while avoiding competition with food.

The two companies aim to enhance the feasibility of the domestic ATJ-SAF supply chain and contribute to decarbonization and energy security in Japan's aviation sector.