Mexico plans to develop sustainable aviation fuel production from vegetable oils and animal fats

Mexico is considering developing domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products and create additional demand for agricultural feedstocks. The country currently imports around 50% of its jet fuel consumption. According to Florencia Vitelleschi, Country Manager of Topsoe Mexico, the country has significant potential to develop its biofuel industry thanks to the availability of vegetable oils, animal fats and biomass. However, government support will be essential to realize this potential.

Used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats could become key feedstocks for SAF production through the HEFA processing route. Currently, a significant share of certified UCO collected in Mexico is exported to Europe and Asia. Developing domestic aviation biofuel production would allow the country to retain these resources and establish its own processing supply chains. Sugarcane could provide an additional feedstock for producing aviation fuel through the alcohol-to-jet pathway.

Mexico’s state airport services agency ASA and the Ministry of Energy (Sener) are already developing a roadmap for SAF production. Technical studies are being conducted with the participation of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and financial support from Airbus and Mexican airline Volaris. However, large-scale development of the industry will require a regulatory framework, tax incentives and mandatory SAF blending requirements.

As an initial step, Topsoe proposes using existing refining capacity operated by state-owned Pemex to co-process conventional and renewable feedstocks. This approach involves blending approximately 5% renewable feedstock with fossil-based inputs, reducing capital expenditure compared with building dedicated biofuel plants. In the longer term, Mexico is considering expanding SAF production by 2030 and developing synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) using solar and wind energy.

Developing aviation biofuel production is becoming increasingly important for Mexico amid volatility in global energy markets and risks to conventional fuel supplies. Using locally sourced renewable feedstocks could reduce import dependence, encourage investment in processing and create new opportunities for suppliers of vegetable oils, animal fats and sugar industry products. However, SAF remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel, meaning the pace of industry development will depend on government regulation, financial incentives and private investors’ willingness to invest in production capacity.

Tags: Mexico, edible oils, SAF, sustainable aviation fuel