Avalon Energy Group LLC, a U.S.-based developer specializing in integrated sustainable energy projects, and Sulzer Chemtech, a global leader in separation and mixing technology, have announced a Strategic Alliance and Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). As part of this collaboration, Avalon has chosen Sulzer’s BioFlux™ technology for its global portfolio of SAF projects currently in development, paving the way for a commercial technology licensing agreement, according to the press release.
The partnership’s initial focus will be Avalon’s flagship biorefinery in Uruguay. This innovative facility will be fully integrated, encompassing everything from growing dedicated non-edible oilseed crops to producing low-carbon SAF. The project will primarily use oil derived from Camelina sativa, a non-edible crop, to create a secure, sustainable supply chain that does not compete with food resources.
Irshad Ahmed, President and CEO of Avalon Energy Group, commented, “This strategic alliance with Sulzer marks a significant milestone in our efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector. Sulzer’s BioFlux™ technology is a proven, top-tier solution that will allow us to produce SAF efficiently and affordably. Our Uruguay biorefinery will serve as a blueprint for building a fully integrated, sustainable, and scalable SAF production platform. We are excited to collaborate with such a respected technology provider as Sulzer to bring our vision to fruition and meet the increasing global demand for cleaner aviation fuels.”
Avalon is also progressing similar SAF projects in key regions, including India, Eswatini, and Illinois in the U.S. The alliance with Sulzer offers a standardized, cutting-edge technology platform that will speed up the development and implementation of these initiatives.
Ilja Mikenberg, Global Head Process Solutions at Sulzer Chemtech, said, “We’re proud to join forces with Avalon Energy Group as they advance their ambitious global SAF rollout. Avalon’s innovative method of combining agriculture with biofuel production aligns perfectly with our BioFlux™ technology, which efficiently and reliably processes renewable feedstocks. The Uruguay project’s use of Camelina sativa is a pioneering effort that highlights the potential to establish a genuinely sustainable aviation fuel supply chain. We’re eager to support Avalon in setting a new industry benchmark.”
Developed by Duke Technologies LLC and licensed worldwide by Sulzer Chemtech, BioFlux technology features a proprietary liquid-full reactor design that optimizes hydrogen availability and removes the need for a vapor recycle loop. This distinctive setup, along with advanced catalyst innovations, boosts yield, prolongs catalyst lifespan, and significantly cuts production costs.
