A major sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in southern China is moving closer to completion, with construction progressing on a large-scale biofuel facility in Hainan Province that is expected to produce up to 300,000 tonnes of renewable fuel annually.
Owned by Hainan Eco Prime, the plant is being developed at Yangpu Port within the Hainan Economic Development Zone on the island's north-west coast.
The project represents an investment of 1.2 billion yuan (€145 million) at current exchange rates, and occupies a site covering around 100,000 square metres.
The facility will convert food waste into sustainable aviation fuel, supporting growing global demand for lower-carbon alternatives to conventional jet fuel.
Once operational, the plant is expected to become one of the region's significant SAF production centres, helping airlines meet increasingly stringent emissions reduction targets.
According to local reports, construction remains on schedule. Major underground pipeline works and core infrastructure have already been completed, with contractors now focused on building fit-out works and equipment installation. The project is expected to undergo pre-start-up safety inspections by the end of the year before entering the equipment commissioning and trial-operation phase.
Zhang Zhilong, deputy general manager of the Eco Prime holding company, said the site will feature hydrogen production units capable of generating 2,000 normal cubic metres per hour from light hydrocarbons.
The plant will also include sulphur recovery facilities, specialist storage tanks and dedicated loading and unloading infrastructure.
Environmental benefits are expected to be substantial. Company estimates suggest the facility could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 400,000 tonnes annually once fully operational.
The development also highlights Hainan's growing role as a manufacturing and export base for renewable fuels.
Supported by the island's free-trade port policies and strategic shipping links, the province is attracting companies focused on international markets.
Yangpu Port offers direct maritime connections to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and the Americas, enabling SAF produced in Hainan and certified to international standards to be exported efficiently to Europe and other global markets.
Hainan SAF plant advances as China expands biofuel export capacity
