MANILA — Three proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects in the Philippines remain in search of equity partners, according to the country's Board of Investments (BoI), even as their developers pursue markedly different production technologies.

"We are proactively supporting three projects in the Philippines. What's interesting about these projects is that they are going to implement very different technology pathways," said Morinaella Jeusine M. Torgo, supervising investments specialist at the BoI, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Transportation Forum 2026 last week.

Ms. Torgo identified the three developers as SAFAsia, Inc.; Alcom, a Singapore-based clean fuel and carbon project developer; and Cavitoil Basura Power, Inc. Each project, she said, would rely on different raw materials and production technologies to manufacture SAF, an alternative to conventional jet fuel that can be produced from nonpetroleum sources.

Among the proposed developments is Cavitoil's project, which would use solid waste as a feedstock for SAF production, according to the BoI official.

The projects could be developed by 2030, although implementation would depend on several factors, including securing investment partners. Large-scale fuel production is typically capital-intensive, and bringing equity partners on board is a common step for developers to finance construction before a facility can begin operating.

"Looking at a timeline, at least, hopefully, by 2030. There are a lot of factors involved. These three projects, there are project developers. They are still looking for equity partners," she said.

The BoI first identified the three developers during a SAF investment forum in October 2025, where they presented their proposed projects.

The search for equity backing comes as the Philippines moves to establish domestic SAF production, with the government weighing a requirement that airlines use a minimum blend of the alternative fuel by 2030. Earlier this month, the Department of Energy (DoE) said it was considering a 1% SAF blending requirement by 2030 to encourage investment in domestic production. The proposal remains under consideration, with the DoE working on a regulatory framework for SAF production and adoption. Whether the 1% requirement is ultimately adopted — and the shape of the final framework — will help define the domestic market the three developers' facilities would serve.

The Philippine deliberations parallel moves elsewhere in Southeast Asia: Singapore is set to require a 1% SAF blend for flights departing the city-state from 2026, and several other governments in the region have announced blending goals of their own.

Separately, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has been pursuing cooperation with industry groups and other organizations to support the development of SAF in the country.

SAF can be produced from feedstocks such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil. Depending on the production process and feedstock, it can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional jet fuel. The International Air Transport Association estimates that SAF could account for about 65% of the emissions reductions needed for the global aviation industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. — Ashley Erika O. Jose