InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – What was once considered a problematic waste in the palm oil industry is now taking flight—literally. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), long associated with environmental concerns, has found new value as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Quote InfoSAWIT from ICAO documentation, on Tuesday (April 7, 2026), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has officially recognized POME as an eligible raw material for SAF under its CORSIA framework.
This recognition is outlined in the document titled “CORSIA Default Life Cycle Emissions Values for CORSIA Eligible Fuels,” marking a significant milestone for palm-based renewable energy.
The approval follows a year-long scientific validation process involving institutions such as Hasselt University and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). POME achieved a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) value of 18.1 gCO₂e/MJ, significantly lower than conventional fossil-based jet fuel.
For Indonesia, this milestone reflects a strategic and technical diplomatic effort led by the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supported by Indonesia Palm Oil Strategic Studies (IPOSS) and PT Tripatra.
By positioning POME as a processing residue—rather than a primary product—Indonesia successfully demonstrated that it does not carry indirect land use change (ILUC) risks, thus meeting ICAO’s sustainability criteria under the HEFA pathway.
This development opens new opportunities for the palm oil industry to contribute to global decarbonization while unlocking additional economic value from its by-products. (T2)
