The aviation industry is one of the key sectors contributing to both global economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) serves as a pathway to effectively reduce GHG emissions from fuel burning as it involves transitioning from reliance on fossil fuels to using sustainable alternatives.

30 October 2025 – The International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme (H2Uppp), implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), organised the SAF Working Group Milestone Meeting. This meeting was held to consolidate the progress and recommendations made meetings and other activities organised over the past year – since the working group was launched in November 2024.

This working group meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, the private sector, research institutions, universities, and civil society organisations involved in every stage of the SAF value chain, including agriculture, energy, and fuel production, as well as the aviation industry. Additionally, international experts from key aviation organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as representatives from leading international airlines, also joined the exchange of perspectives and pathways for global SAF development.

At the meeting, experts presented thought-provoking insights into Thailand’s potential for developing SAF, particularly by using agricultural residues to produce SAF via Power-Biomass-to-Liquid (PBtL). This is a technological solution that can integrate green hydrogen production and effectively promote the circular economy.

At this working group meeting, private companies also shared their experiences in advancing SAF technology and project development at national and regional levels. Discussions also covered policy pathways and financing mechanisms for the concrete mobilisation of SAF adoption in Thailand.

The key results of the activities of the SAF Working Group under H2Uppp will be summarised in a white paper. This document will present key findings on the potential of materials in Thailand as well as development pathways, business cases and policy recommendations. It will serve to promote the production and adoption of SAF in Thailand in the future.

The future of clean aviation is no longer just a dream, but it is a goal that requires the cooperative advancement of various factors to establish Thailand as the leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Southeast Asia.