The collaboration with Idemitsu, and also with Australian coal resource company Stanmore, utilises Terviva’s scalable tree production and Idemitsu’s expertise in fuels to accelerate the global production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with oil from Terviva's proprietary pongamia technology.
The model developed by Terviva ensures high yields for farmers and a robust end market for the entire pongamia bean, while Idemitsu's industry knowledge streamlines the path to market for the oil as SAF.
Pongamia is recognised for its ability to serve as a feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology. Through this trial planting, Idemitsu Kosan will gain an understanding of growing pongamia in a non-typical cropping area, and work on development and optimisation of the supply chain for SAF production. Additionally, the company will explore the creation of carbon credits through afforestation, the production of black pellets from shells for biomass power plants, the use of pressed seed pomace as livestock feed, and other uses beyond feedstock for SAF.
“Our pongamia genetics have been proven through extensive field trials on over a thousand acres, using proprietary data analytics and farming techniques to drive maximal yield, minimise cost and promote sustainable cultivation” said Naveen Sikka, founder and CEO of Terviva. “The end result is a complete pongamia farming package that creates a low cost, low carbon and high quality form of oil and protein - revolutionary for a global agriculture industry that is confronting climate change. We are eager to support Idemitsu’s goals to advance sustainable fuel solutions.”
Terviva's elite pongamia cultivars have been developed over 15 years of research trials spanning nearly 2,000 acres in the US and Australia. Terviva’s pongamia trees produce three or more metric tons of beans per acre, which feature a high oil content. The harvested beans are processed to produce oil, which can then be used as a feedstock, or raw material, for the biofuels industry. The combination of high oil yielding cultivars with low agricultural input best-practices creates a unique opportunity for reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. Due to the strong genetic variability of pongamia, the know-how for selecting and reproducing superior varieties is key to achieving high yield.
Idemitsu Kosan aims to establish a supply system for 500,000 kL of SAF annually. To meet this goal, the company plans to produce 250,000 kL of SAF annually using HEFA technology at its Tokuyama Complex in FY2028.
Considering the potential future supply and demand tightness and price fluctuations of various raw materials, Idemitsu Kosan is working to secure raw materials that can be supplied sustainably over the long term. Pongamia’s ability as a high yielding oilseed crop is considered promising as a measure to secure raw materials for the long-term stable and economical production of SAF using HEFA technology. This initial trial will inform Idemitsu Kosan’s future expansion of commercial pongamia.
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