Malaysian sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer EcoCeres has taken centre stage in CNN’s Tomorrow Transformed, a programme exploring how technology and innovation are reshaping energy and sustainability worldwide.
The special focus programme was centred on global breakthroughs – from solar research in Australia to hydrogen solutions in South Africa – with EcoCeres spotlighted for transforming waste into fuel for aviation.
Turning waste into sustainable aviation fuel
Based in Johor, Malaysia, EcoCeres is a global leader in renewable fuel production, specialising in low-carbon aviation fuel made from waste oils and residues. At its state-of-the-art biorefinery, feedstock from food factories, palm oil mills and restaurants is converted into sustainable aviation fuel that meets strict technical requirements for performance at cruising altitude and low temperatures.
At full capacity, the Johor facility is expected to produce 420,000 tonnes of SAF per year, supplying airlines including Cathay Pacific, Qantas and British Airways. The process not only reduces lifecycle carbon emissions compared with conventional jet fuel but also positions Malaysia as an emerging hub for renewable aviation fuels in Southeast Asia.
A global perspective on clean energy
While EcoCeres represents the SAF frontier, CNN also highlights other innovators driving clean energy worldwide:
UNSW, Sydney, Australia – Home to Professor Martin Green, the “father of solar energy,” and researchers pushing photovoltaic efficiency further. The university is pioneering technologies to harvest energy as heat leaves the Earth, while startups like SunDrive work to replace rare and expensive materials in solar cells with abundant, cost-effective alternatives.
HYENA, Cape Town, South Africa – Co-founder Jack Fletcher demonstrates how hydrogen can provide a quieter, cleaner alternative to traditional diesel generators. Their “Power Pod” technology converts available fuels like LPG into electricity via chemical processes rather than combustion, reducing emissions and noise.
Together, these stories illustrate the diversity of approaches in tackling climate change – from clean electricity to decarbonising aviation – and the scale of innovation happening globally.
Milestones and impact
EcoCeres’ appearance on CNN follows a key operational milestone: the first shipment of waste-based SAF from Malaysia to Europe, departing from Tanjung Langsat Port in Johor in December. This fulfilled the company’s commitment to deliver SAF from Malaysia before the end of 2025, marking a significant step in establishing Malaysia as a competitive regional SAF hub.
CEO Matti Lievonen highlights that while the chemistry behind SAF is impressive, the real innovation lies in the company’s integrated systems, including feedstock sourcing, logistics and regional partnerships. EcoCeres is expanding across Southeast Asia to complement its operations in China, with plans to replicate its model in other global markets.
Powering the next generation of flight
As the aviation industry seeks practical solutions for decarbonisation, SAF is among the most immediate and scalable options. EcoCeres’ inclusion on CNN demonstrates how local innovation in Malaysia is contributing to a global energy transition – transforming waste into fuel and helping to power cleaner air travel worldwide.
(Images: CNN/EcoCeres)
