Can your used cooking oil power a jet? These Malaysian innovators are collecting 5,000 litres a day to make it happen

What good is your used kitchen oil? Think!

But can it also power a jet? Answer is, yes!

Former aircraft engineer Muhammad Arif Arman Suddin, 30, and his friend Mohammad Azhan Shamsu Anuar are powering aircraft with your discarded kitchen oil. Let’s find out all about it.

From Aircraft Engineering To Creating Renewable Energy

Arif, co-founder of Arjuna Dharma Global, has extensive experience in the aircraft industry. He credits his career in aircraft engineering with inspiring him to seek innovative methods of converting waste into renewable energy.

“It took us about eight months from last year to conduct extensive research and countless trial-and-error experiments to master the process of producing fuel from used cooking oil,” he told Bernama.

In February, several aviation-fuel suppliers expressed interest in Arif’s innovation.

Speaking about fuel production, Arif said it involves a rigorous process and fine filtration to ensure the product meets International Sustainability and Carbon Certification CORSIA (ISCC CORSIA) standards.

“This fuel can only be supplied to companies certified under ISCC Corsia, and its use has been proven to reduce carbon emissions by up to four times compared to conventional kerosene.”

Arif claims that monthly profits are in the six figures. He also hopes that Malaysians will recognize the value of used cooking oil.

The Business Model

Used cooking oil is collected from homes, commercial premises, and companies across Perak and the east coast states. It then undergoes fine filtration. Before further processing, it is weighed and stored in tanks.

Arif’s team collects approximately 5,000 liters of used cooking oil from various states. Only oil of vegetable origin qualifies under ISCC CORSIA. The oil’s smell, color, and density are assessed before it is purchased from various locations.

“We buy used cooking oil at between RM2.30 and RM3 per kg, depending on the location,” he added.

After processing, the used cooking oil is delivered to the Fima Bulking Group in 33,000-litre batches. It is then supplied to international aviation fuel companies from Port Klang.

Arif revealed that he receives regular orders from jet-fuel suppliers in Amsterdam, Switzerland, and the US.

The Arjuna Dharma Global co-founder says his mission is to prove that domestic waste, such as used cooking oil, can be turned into a clean energy source for the future.

“The government is already moving towards commercializing sustainable aviation fuel, and Malaysia is expected to begin production of this fuel before the end of the year,” he further said.