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Mexico currently relies on imports for 50% of its jet fuel consumption, a dependency that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could significantly reduce while driving economic development. According to Florencia Vitelleschi, Country Manager of Topsoe Mexico, the nation is positioned to transform its aviation sector into a decarbonization leader, provided the government implements the necessary regulatory frameworks and tax incentives.
Vitelleschi highlighted Mexico's structural advantages in raw materials, particularly used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats, which are ideal for the HEFA (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids) production route. Additionally, the country's robust sugarcane industry provides ample biomass for the alcohol-to-jet route. Currently, much of Mexico's certified UCO is exported to Europe and Asia; the goal is to retain these feedstocks domestically to fuel local production.
Progress is already underway, with the state airport services agency (ASA) and the Ministry of Energy (Sener) developing a roadmap for SAF. Technical studies are being conducted by the ICAO, with financial backing from Airbus and Mexican carrier Volaris. However, Vitelleschi emphasizes that the industry will only truly take off once a blending mandate is established and public policies align to support both production and commercialization.
Global instability, particularly the crisis in the Middle East, has shifted the SAF conversation from purely climate-focused to one of energy security. Diversifying fuel sources to include renewable feedstocks reduces reliance on specific regions and fossil fuel volatility. While SAF remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel, the strategic benefit of energy independence is making higher costs more palatable for stakeholders.
For the immediate future, Topsoe is advocating for 'co-processing' at existing refineries—a low-cost entry point where 5% renewable feedstock is mixed with fossil fuels. This approach leverages existing infrastructure owned by the state oil company, Pemex. The long-term vision includes reaching production milestones by 2030 and eventually exploring e-SAF utilizing Mexico's vast solar and wind energy resources. Collaboration between the public sector, private investors, and technology providers remains the final piece of the puzzle.
Source: BNamericas