RRI.CO.ID, South Tangerang - Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed a mesoporous catalyst that improves biomass-based sustainable aviation fuel production. The innovation supports cleaner aviation and Indonesia's net zero emission target.

The catalyst is based on SBA-15 mesoporous material and increases the efficiency of converting biomass into biojet fuel precursors. The research was presented during the ORNAMAT #89 scientific meeting held online on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

The aviation sector remains one of the world's largest carbon emitters. Therefore, developing sustainable aviation fuel has become increasingly important to reduce emissions.

Unlike conventional biojet fuel using vegetable oil, BRIN's research utilizes non-food biomass. The feedstock includes agricultural, forestry, and plantation waste that is widely available across Indonesia.

The project is a collaboration between BRIN, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the University of Indonesia, and Padjadjaran University. The partnership produced a catalyst with balanced acidity and pore structure for better performance.

Testing showed the optimized process achieved a 99 percent feedstock conversion rate. It also produced a 62 percent yield of biojet fuel precursors before further refinement.

The final conversion process reached 100 percent while producing hydrocarbons suitable for aviation fuel specifications. The catalyst also maintained good stability after repeated use, supporting its industrial application potential.

BRIN said the research opens new opportunities for producing higher-quality biomass-based sustainable aviation fuel. The agency will continue improving catalyst performance while promoting circular economy principles through renewable feedstock development.