The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is collaborating with airport stakeholders to conduct trials on the use of renewable diesel for heavy and specialized airside vehicles at Singapore Changi Airport. This initiative is part of CAAS’s broader effort to decarbonize the aviation sector in Singapore. The trials aim to develop the supply chain and procurement processes for renewable diesel at Changi Airport and evaluate its performance compared to conventional fossil diesel. Key stakeholders involved in the trials include Changi Airport Group (CAG), dnata, SATS, and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC). These trials, expected to last one year, will inform decisions on the potential adoption of renewable diesel for airside vehicles with limited electric options. CAAS is providing funding support for the trials under the Aviation Sustainability Programme to help defray costs, including the higher expense of renewable diesel compared to fossil diesel.
Under the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint published in February 2024, transitioning airside vehicles to cleaner energy is highlighted as a key initiative. Three main pathways are identified: electrification, biofuels such as renewable diesel, and exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles. Due to limited electric options for heavy and specialized airside vehicles, biofuels like renewable diesel present a near-term decarbonization solution.
Renewable diesel offers significant reductions in lifecycle carbon emissions and can be used as a direct replacement for conventional diesel without engine modifications. The trials are part of the Aviation Sustainability Programme, which offers co-funding for sustainable aviation projects. dnata initiated the first trial with Esso Renewable Diesel R20 on April 26, 2024, followed by trials from CAG, SATS, and SIAEC. The Aviation Sustainability Programme, established in March 2023 with a $50 million budget, supports sustainability projects with funding ranging from 50% to 70%. A 2nd Call-for-Proposal from May 14 to September 30, 2024, aims to further catalyze private sector action for aviation decarbonization, including projects focused on energy-efficient airport systems, operational efficiency improvements, and transition to cleaner energy sources.
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