【2026 Industry Updates】Overview of the latest progress in China’s SAF projects in 2026 – Shanghai pilot plant
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According to a post on Shanghai Electric’s official WeChat account on April 20, 2026, the project titled “Key Technologies and Pilot Verification for Sustainable Aviation Fuels”, in which Shanghai Boiler Works under Shanghai Electric Group serves as the main contractor for the construction of the primary facilities, has recently achieved a world-first breakthrough. The research team from East China Normal University, which is the source of the project’s technology, uses waste oils commonly known as \"gutter oil\" as the sole raw material to produce 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This fuel can be used directly in aircraft engines without the need to mix it with petroleum-based fuels. With the support of the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, a research team from East China Normal University has joined forces with enterprises such as Shanghai Airport Group to establish Shanghai Shangneng Green Aviation Company.
According to the project timeline, pilot production for this project will begin in September this year, with the pilot plant achieving stable operation by the end of the year; at that point, it will meet the technical requirements for an annual production capacity of 5,000 tons of oil-based SAF.