Hong Kong-based renewable fuels producer EcoCeres Inc. has inaugurated its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility in Malaysia, marking a significant expansion of renewable fuel supply capacity in Asia and strengthening regional efforts to decarbonise aviation and other energy-intensive industries.
Located in Pasir Gudang, Johor, the new facility is the first SAF production plant in Malaysia and has a combined maximum output capacity of 420,000 tonnes per year. In addition to SAF, the plant will produce Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Renewable Naphtha, both of which are increasingly used as low-carbon alternatives in transport and industrial applications.
The plant was successfully commissioned and started operations in October 2025, representing a major milestone for the company’s regional renewable fuels platform.
Strengthening Asia’s sustainable aviation fuel supply
The launch comes at a critical time for the aviation sector, as airlines and regulators worldwide accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions and scale up sustainable fuel supply chains.
SAF is widely regarded as one of the most viable short- to medium-term solutions for lowering aviation’s carbon footprint, with the potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent compared with conventional jet fuel, depending on feedstock and production pathways.
By establishing production capacity in Malaysia, EcoCeres aims to support growing SAF demand across Asia while contributing to regional energy transition goals.
The project also highlights the role of Hong Kong as a hub for green technology development, sustainable finance and cross-border energy investment.
Official inauguration attended by regional leaders
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior government and industry representatives from both Hong Kong and Malaysia, underscoring the strategic importance of the project.
Among the dignitaries present were Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Noraini Ahmad, and Eddie Cheung.
The event was hosted by Peter Lee—chairman of Towngas and principal of Full Vision Capital—both founding investors in EcoCeres. Also attending were EcoCeres co-chairmen Alan Chan and James Tam, along with CEO Matti Lievonen.
Speaking at the event, Peter Lee highlighted the company’s journey from a research initiative in Hong Kong to a major global producer of renewable aviation fuel.
“EcoCeres has grown from a laboratory in Hong Kong into one of the world’s leading producers of SAF, and this new Johor plant shows how regional commitment to sustainability can feed into the global search for climate solutions,” Lee said.
Waste-to-fuel technology at the core
The Johor facility showcases EcoCeres’ proprietary waste-to-fuel technology, developed and refined in Hong Kong. The technology converts waste oils and residue feedstocks into high-value renewable fuels, supporting the transition to a circular and low-carbon energy system.
According to CEO Matti Lievonen, the project represents a major step in expanding the company’s regional production platform.
“The Johor plant is a major step forward for EcoCeres’ regional platform and for Malaysia’s renewable fuel industry,” he said. “It demonstrates our commitment to reliable supply capability and high product quality as demand for renewable fuel solutions accelerates.”
The facility is designed to supply renewable fuels not only for aviation but also for maritime transport, heavy industry, mining, chemical production and road transport sectors seeking lower-carbon alternatives.
Supporting Malaysia’s net-zero ambitions
The project aligns closely with Malaysia’s national climate and energy strategies, including the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Agri-commodity Policy 2030, which promote renewable fuels and sustainable industrial development.
Minister Noraini Ahmad said the new plant reflects Malaysia’s commitment to building a competitive green economy.
“By fostering innovation in renewable fuels, we are creating high-value jobs, reducing carbon emissions, and strengthening Malaysia’s role as a leader in the green economy,” she said.
Through the use of waste and residue feedstocks, the facility supports Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while also contributing to the development of a circular economy.
Expanding regional renewable fuel production
The Johor plant forms part of EcoCeres’ broader production network across Asia. The company also operates a renewable fuels facility in Zhangjiagang, which produces SAF and HVO using the same proprietary conversion technology.
Together, the Zhangjiagang and Johor facilities provide EcoCeres with a combined renewable fuels production capacity of approximately 770,000 tonnes per year.
This growing capacity positions the company among the emerging global suppliers of SAF at a time when airlines, airports and logistics companies are seeking reliable access to sustainable fuels.
By combining technological innovation, regional investment and cross-border collaboration, EcoCeres aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable fuels while reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a regional “super-connector” for sustainable energy development in Asia.
