UK’s Defence Standard for SAF updated

 
Image courtesy bp

This standard is now approved for the production of JetA1, globally.

The Defence Standard milestone was achieved through collaboration with industry stakeholders, including OEMs, IATA, fuel producers and airline companies, to help lower lifecycle carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

Co-processing is a method where vegetable oils, waste oils and fats, or similar sustainable feedstocks are processed along with conventional feedstocks in existing refineries. It is a SAF production method that can be activated quickly and use existing fuel distribution infrastructure, important especially during the early scale-up of SAF.

This achievement allows bp and other fuel producers to accelerate SAF production at higher concentrations using existing refinery process units. Refinery co-processing is a crucial step towards reducing aviation industry emissions. Bp already produces SAF via co-processing at its refineries and plans to increase its renewable feedstock content from 2025 onwards.

Federica Berra, senior vice president, Air bp said: “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.”

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.”

The inclusion of co-processing into the aviation fuel standard, Def Stan 91-091, continues to build on the work done by MoD to reduce the carbon footprint of Defence by increasing the availability of SAF, which has been used for routine operations from RAF Lossiemouth since 2024.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist: “This is a long-awaited and welcome development that will bring immediate results. Co-processing is possible with only limited additional capital investments, and it should be maximised — the example of bp and the UK Ministry of Defence is one we wish many countries and SAF producers will follow.”

This project is the result of a three-year programme of work at bp’s Bochum technology centre, utilising pilot plant and analytical testing facilities to develop these capabilities. The project involved synthesising data and engaging with stakeholders, including OEMs, IATA, fuel producers and airline companies and is a great example of what can be achieved when the industry works together.