Hawaiian Airlines and Par Hawaii (Par Hawaii) an affiliate of Par Pacific Holdings, Hawaiʻi's largest supplier of energy products have announced plans to join forces to study the commercial viability of locally produced sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) — to replace all or a percentage of traditional kerosene-based jet fuel with fuel that is made with sustainable feedstocks.
This is a major step for both organisations to reduce carbon emissions, to address climate change and to create a more sustainable energy future for Hawaiʻi.
Based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both companies, Hawaiian Airlines and Par Hawaii will jointly evaluate the potential to convert two of the processing units at Par's Kapolei refinery to produce renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel; explore the production of locally grown, oil-yielding crops; study the feasibility of importing sustainable feedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable products; and convene stakeholders to continue to support and identify federal and state policies and programs that accelerate Hawaiʻi-based production of renewable fuels.
In 2019, Par Pacific invested US$27 million in a distillate hydrotreater at its Kapolei refinery to produce more jet fuel and ultra-low sulphur diesel. This relatively new processing unit, along with the refinery's distillate hydrocracker – which produces high value transportation fuels by converting heavier, lower value products under high temperature and pressure – are the two primary units being considered for renewable fuels production.
