A Chinese company buys discarded hot pot broth to transform into airplane fuel.

Buzz

In a bizarre turn of events, a Chinese company has acquired used hot pot broth to convert into fuel, powering airplanes to new heights.

At a luxurious restaurant in Chengdu, where Chinese hot pot is a culinary delight, diners immerse meat and thinly sliced vegetables into a pool of rich and spicy oil, unaware that their leftover food will be recycled into airplane fuel. It's an unbelievable yet entirely factual story.

Every year, approximately 150,000 tons of used cooking oil from restaurants in Chengdu are discarded, posing a significant environmental pollution issue.

Seizing this opportunity, the Sichuan Jinshang Environmental Protection Company has introduced a unique solution by processing this waste cooking oil into aviation fuel for export. Ye Bin, the CEO of Jinshang, shared with AFP: 'We are turning oil from hot pot into fuel for planes to soar into the sky.'

Established in 2017, the company currently produces up to 150,000 tons of industrial oil annually by combining waste from hot pot restaurants and eateries across Chengdu, including KFC outlets. Each night, Jinshang's collection team traverses hundreds of restaurants in the southwest area of the city to gather waste. The process begins immediately after customers leave, with servers pouring hot pot broth—mostly used for cooking—into a specialized filtration system to separate oil from water.

Jinshang offers a unique solution by processing waste cooking oil into aviation fuel.

Wearing thick aprons and long rubber gloves, the collection team gathers vibrant red containers of waste oil. This waste is then transported to a commercial area on the city's outskirts, where Jinshang's factory is located. The oil is placed in large containers and undergoes a refining process to remove water and impurities, resulting in a transparent, yellowish industrial oil.

This fuel is exported to Europe, the United States, and Singapore, where it continues to be processed to create Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), according to the International Energy Agency. SAF plays a crucial role in reducing global energy-related CO2 emissions, contributing about 2% by 2022.

Although SAF still constitutes a very small part (less than 0.1%) of the total aviation fuel consumption, widespread adoption could reduce up to 65% of the aviation industry's required emission cuts to meet the 2050 air pollution goals, as per the International Air Transport Association.

Jinshang is planning to expand its SAF production facilities, using equipment from the American company Honeywell, aiming to produce 300,000 tons annually. This is part of China's comprehensive effort to address the significant issue of food waste generated by its large population. According to a 2021 Nature study, the country alone discards approximately 350 million tons of food produce each year.

Jinshang is planning to expand its production facilities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Using biofuels in the transportation industry brings significant environmental benefits. Firstly, biofuels reduce carbon dioxide emissions, helping mitigate the negative impacts on the atmosphere and climate change. The second advantage is easing the pressure on traditional crude oil supply, contributing to the conservation of natural resources. Additionally, the transition to biofuels creates a new supply chain, fostering a green and innovative economy. These benefits simultaneously encourage businesses and countries to invest in researching and developing clean energy solutions, positively contributing to global greenhouse gas reduction goals and environmental preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is used hot pot broth converted into aviation fuel?

The Sichuan Jinshang Environmental Protection Company processes used hot pot broth by collecting waste cooking oil from restaurants. This oil undergoes filtration and refining to remove impurities, resulting in aviation fuel that is exported for further processing into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

What impact does using biofuels have on the environment?

Using biofuels significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions, which helps mitigate climate change effects. It also lessens the reliance on traditional crude oil, aiding natural resource conservation and fostering a greener economy.

What are the plans for expanding Sustainable Aviation Fuel production?

Jinshang aims to expand its SAF production facilities, targeting an annual output of 300,000 tons. This initiative involves using advanced equipment from Honeywell to enhance production efficiency and environmental impact.

How does the process of collecting waste oil work?

Each night, a collection team gathers used cooking oil from restaurants. Servers pour the broth into specialized systems that separate oil from water, ensuring efficient recycling of waste into valuable aviation fuel.

Why is Sustainable Aviation Fuel important for aviation?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a crucial role in reducing global CO2 emissions. Although it currently accounts for less than 0.1% of aviation fuel consumption, its widespread adoption could cut aviation emissions significantly, helping meet 2050 pollution goals.

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