Honeywell UOP, Johnson Matthey, GIDARA Energy and SAMSUNG E&A announced today the launch of a new alliance aimed at developing a new technology offering to accelerate the production and reducing the cost of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Fuel accounts for the vast majority of the aviation sector’s emissions. Generally produced from sustainable resources, like waste oils and agricultural residues, SAF is seen as one of the key tools to help decarbonize the aviation industry in the near- to medium-term. SAF producers estimate the fuels can result in lifecycle GHG emissions reductions of as much as 85% relative to conventional fuels.
According to a recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), however, while SAF production is anticipated to double in 2025, it will still account for just 0.7% of airlines’ total fuel consumption. Efforts to meaningfully increase the production of SAF face barriers including high initial costs and feedstock challenges.
Maurits van Tol, CEO of Catalyst Technologies, Johnson Matthey, said:
“The alliance targets the common challenges faced by SAF producers and offers a new way forward with greater speed and lower capital expense cost. Bringing such leading expertise together is critical in supporting our customers to reach the final investment decision on their projects and can help accelerate the deployment of SAF worldwide.”
Under the new alliance, the companies plan to introduce a new joint technology offering that leverages the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) production process, an almost 100-year-old technology typically used to produce fuels from coal or methane.
According to the companies, the new approach is expected to reduce the time between feasibility study and facility startup by more than 15% and can reduce capital expenditures by up to 10%, while also enabling biomass and municipal solid waste to be used as feedstocks.
Ken West, President and CEO, Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, said:
“The launch of our innovative end-to-end SAF alliance demonstrates the power of collaboration to address the world’s energy demands. As demand for SAF increases, the technology to expand available feedstock options becomes increasingly vital. This comprehensive alliance provides refiners with a strategic approach to quickly execute their vision.”
The companies highlighted the capabilities brought to the alliance by each of the partners, including GIDARA’s proficiency in gasification and syngas production, Johnson Matthey’s advanced catalysts and technology for syngas to fuels, Honeywell’s process technology and digital automation solutions, and SAMSUNG E&A’s expertise in engineering, procurement, construction and project execution management.
GIDARA CEO Norbert Kamp said:
This alliance exemplifies what’s possible when expertise and ambition come together. By combining our forces, we are unlocking the value of waste to meet the growing demand for SAF. We are not just providing a technical solution – we are helping clients and communities realize the potential of waste as a catalyst for a future supported by cleaner energy sources.”
