On a recent visit to Narita Airport, Aki Osaki, a member of the Inzai City Assembly, attended the “SAF Awareness Promotion Campaign” exhibition, which concluded at noon yesterday. She noted the popular Cosmo Oil commercial, starring actor Kento Kaku, which uses the “crisp” sound of tempura being eaten to introduce “S-A-F.”
The exhibition focused on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a key initiative in the move toward decarbonization.
How is SAF Made and Used?
SAF is produced primarily from used cooking oil.
1. Collection: Used cooking oil is collected from restaurants, food factories, and shopping malls nationwide.
2. Processing: Impurities are removed, and the oil’s molecular structure is transformed into jet fuel through a high-temperature, high-pressure chemical reaction. This globally recognized method is called HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology.
3. Use: The finished fuel is transported to airport tanks and mixed with regular jet fuel for use in aircraft.
Expanding Awareness and Participation
While SAF’s recognition is still low, the goal is to shift towards a “participatory” style where users themselves become part of the decarbonization effort. Through collaboration with corporations and local governments (such as the Tokyo and Osaka prefectures), the number of service stations (SS) collecting used cooking oil from households is increasing (Cosmo Energy).
Sweet Sorghum: An Alternative SAF Source
Another focus of the campaign is Sweet Sorghum, a grass family crop that serves as a raw material for SAF and helps reduce carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissions.
• Sustainability: It is resistant to high temperatures and drought, making it suitable for cultivation on neglected farmland.
• Local Production: Narita International Airport Corporation is pursuing “Chisan Chishō” (local production for local consumption), aiming to complete the entire SAF process—from manufacturing to use—within the region.
• Cultivation: Sweet Sorghum, specifically the “Enryu” variety, is being test-grown on noise mitigation land. It requires less weeding, can be harvested twice a year from a single planting, and requires minimal labor. The stalks can grow up to 5 meters tall.
• Fuel Production: Traditionally used as livestock feed, the extracted sugar liquid can now be fermented to produce bioethanol, a key SAF ingredient. The remaining stalks and leaves can still be utilized as livestock feed.
While used cooking oil is the primary raw material, Sweet Sorghum is gaining attention due to the anticipated rise in SAF demand. Inzai City also collects used cooking oil for reuse as printing ink.
Commitment to Inquiry
Ms. Osaki states that SAF has been a topic of personal interest and commitment for some time. She plans to address the topic during the upcoming city council sessions:
• December Session: She will briefly touch on SAF, particularly in relation to education.
• February Session: She intends to ask more in-depth questions regarding the initiative.
She concludes by expressing her ongoing dedication to research and study to formulate the best possible proposals for the city.
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