SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL

Western Cape project moves forward

Phelan Green Hydrogen has signed technology licensing agreements with Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies (JM CT) for its planned electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility at Saldanha Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape. Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2026 as part of the wider Phelan Green Hydrogen Project, which is expected to attract investment of approximately R47 billion.

The first phase of the development is expected to establish one of the world’s first commercial-scale eSAF production facilities, with annual output of around 35,000 tonnes of eSAF intended for export to European Union and United Kingdom markets. According to the project partners, this volume would represent up to 6% of the eSAF volumes mandated by the EU and UK for 2030. Once all phases of the project are complete, annual production is expected to increase to approximately 140,000 tonnes.

TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

Integrated production process

Johnson Matthey’s HyCOgen™ technology uses captured carbon dioxide and electrolytic (green) hydrogen to produce carbon monoxide, which is then combined with additional hydrogen to create synthesis gas. The process integrates with the company’s FT CANS™ technology, jointly developed with bp, to produce synthetic crude oil that is subsequently upgraded into synthetic paraffinic kerosene suitable for sustainable aviation fuel production.

COMMERCIAL SCALE OBJECTIVE

Supporting future SAF supply

Johnson Matthey said the project represents the first deployment of its HyCOgen™ and FT CANS™ technologies in Africa. Phelan Green Hydrogen said the licensing and engineering agreements complete the project’s technology platform and position the development to demonstrate commercial-scale eSAF production using renewable energy, carbon dioxide and water.