HK-Dongguan Collaboration on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
A major investment exceeding HK$10 billion ($1.28 billion) aims to establish a regional industrial chain for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in China, with a new base in Dongguan. The project is led by EcoCeres, a Hong Kong-incubated company that converts waste cooking oil into internationally certified SAF, capable of reducing aircraft carbon emissions by over 80 percent.
The initiative will enhance the green technology sector in the Greater Bay Area and support China's sustainable development goals. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the Dongguan plant will process locally sourced waste oil to produce 450,000 metric tons of SAF annually, which will be transported to Hong Kong to blend with traditional fuels for commercial flights.
"This project exemplifies the cross-border synergy that underscores our commitment to green development," said John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong's Chief Executive. "By linking raw material resources to production, we can drive investments and support national carbon reduction targets."
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by officials from Hong Kong and Dongguan. Lee emphasized that the project aligns with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan and reflects Hong Kong's proactive stance in promoting SAF, aiming for a 1-2 percent usage rate for departing flights by 2030. The Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition, launched in 2024 with 15 partners, is dedicated to scaling SAF adoption and production.
This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in achieving low-emission aviation operations and demonstrates the greater engagement of Hong Kong as a leading aviation hub in sustainable fuels development.
