St. Petersburg Develops Aviation Biofuel From Waste
The first Russian aviation biofuel, developed in St. Petersburg, has successfully passed tests. It is produced from waste oils and fats and can reduce the ecological footprint of aviation.
Apr 27, 2026 0
A test run of the new aviation biofuel on a bench jet engine at the Gazprom Neft center.
Source:
The Industrial Innovation Center of Gazprom Neft in Saint Petersburg has developed and tested Russia«s first aviation biofuel (SAF). The feedstock consisted of waste frying oil and animal fats. In the future, using such fuel will reduce aviation»s environmental impact and enhance the competitiveness of Russian carriers on international routes.
The test program included laboratory studies and tests on a bench jet engine. Specialists simulated key operating modes: takeoff, cruise flight, and landing. The results confirmed efficient engine operation and reduced harmful emissions. The data obtained is planned to be used to create a unified national standard for synthetic SAF components for jet fuel.
As noted by Denis Demin, Head of the Department for Strategy, Innovation and Sustainable Development at Gazprom Neft, the company is consistently implementing environmental solutions. «We were the first in Russia to start developing a portfolio of green fuels based on plant components and have been refueling marine vessels with domestic biofuel for several years,» he said. «The next stage of transport decarbonization will be the introduction of Russian SAF fuel for aviation, and Gazprom Neft is engaged in its development and testing.»
Aeroflot stressed that the development of SAF technologies aligns with the airline«s strategic priorities in sustainable development. Andrey Chikhachin, First Deputy General Director of PJSC Aeroflot, stated: »The active use of SAF fuel in aviation is a medium- and long-term prospect, but the international industry is already taking its first steps today. The tests conducted are an important step on the long road of developing SAF technologies in Russia. Aeroflot intends to continue its progressive work in this direction together with its partners.«
The Industrial Innovation Center of Gazprom Neft provides a full cycle of research and development work and introduces new technologies in the areas of oil refining, petrochemicals, biotechnology, and decarbonization.
Read more
