Four major companies announced the formation of a strategic technology alliance to bring a groundbreaking end-to-end global solution to market for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass and municipal solid waste. The alliance brings together a wealth of diverse expertise and capabilities to help customers streamline the entire SAF production chain—from feedstock to final product. Honeywell UOP, Johnson Matthey, GIDARA Energy, and SAMSUNG E&A have joined forces for the same.
Aviation fuel is a significant contributor to the airline industry’s pollution. SAF, which is typically made from environmentally friendly sources like used cooking oils and farm waste, is seen as a crucial way to help the aviation industry become greener in the short to medium term. Producers estimate that SAF can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 85% over its lifespan compared to traditional jet fuel.
However, a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that while SAF production is expected to double next year, it will still only make up a tiny fraction—just 0.7%—of all fuel used by airlines. Efforts to significantly increase SAF production face challenges, including high initial costs and difficulties in getting enough raw materials.
Maurits van Tol, CEO of Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey, explained the alliance’s goal: “This partnership tackles the common problems faced by SAF makers and offers a new path that’s faster and less expensive to set up. Bringing together such top-notch expertise is vital to helping our customers make the final decisions on their projects and can help get SAF widely used around the world.”
Through this new alliance, the companies plan to introduce a combined technology that uses the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) production process. This method, which is nearly 100 years old, has traditionally been used to make fuels from coal or natural gas.
The companies say this new approach is expected to cut the time from early planning to factory operation by more than 15%. It could also reduce the initial construction costs by up to 10%, while allowing for the use of materials like plant waste and city garbage as fuel sources.
Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, commented on the collaboration: “The launch of our new comprehensive SAF alliance shows what’s possible when we work together to meet the world’s energy needs. As the demand for SAF grows, technology that expands the types of raw materials available becomes increasingly important. This broad alliance gives fuel producers a smart way to quickly make their vision a reality.”
The companies highlighted the unique strengths each partner brings to the alliance. GIDARA is skilled in turning waste into gas and producing a specific type of gas used in fuel production. Johnson Matthey contributes its advanced chemical agents and technology for turning that gas into fuel. Honeywell offers its processing technology and digital systems for automation. SAMSUNG E&A provides its expertise in engineering, purchasing, construction, and managing project execution.
Norbert Kamp, CEO of GIDARA, remarked: “This alliance proves what can happen when knowledge and ambition combine. By joining forces, we are unlocking the potential of waste to meet the increasing demand for SAF. We’re not just offering a technical solution; we’re helping clients and communities see how waste can drive a future powered by cleaner energy.”
