On August 13, 2025, Chile achieved a significant milestone in its sustainable energy initiatives by successfully producing its first liter of aviation fuel from plastic waste. This pioneering achievement was realized by the Technological Development Unit (UDT) at the University of Concepción, a development that aligns with Chile's broader Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) roadmap. The project, officially titled "Aviation Fuel from Synthetic Hydrocarbons Derived from Residual Plastics," received funding from the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) and involved collaboration with ENAP and Nutra Trade, with support from the Ministry of Energy and the Clean Flight program of the Energy Sustainability Agency. Undersecretary of Energy, Luis Felipe Ramos Barrera, highlighted the project's contribution to the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts and Chile's position as a regional leader in energy transition.
The innovative process converts various plastic materials into hydrocarbons, which are then refined to meet stringent aviation technical specifications. This approach addresses both the need for cleaner aviation fuels and the pervasive issue of plastic waste management, embodying circular economy principles. Chile's "2050 SAF Roadmap" aims for large-scale SAF production by 2030 and to meet half of the country's aviation fuel needs by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuels are crucial for decarbonization, potentially reducing emissions by up to 80% when blended with conventional jet fuel. The SAF 2024 Public-Private Agreement, involving 48 institutions, further demonstrates Chile's commitment to advancing the SAF sector. While the fuel awaits official SAF certification, the project's success hinges on attracting private sector investment for industrial scaling. This development signifies a crucial step in transforming scientific innovation into tangible, widespread solutions for a more sustainable future in aviation.