Sasol Commits to Provision of Advanced Catalysts for E-SAF Pioneer INERATEC's Next Generation Technologies
Sasol's Next Generation Catalyst Set to Revolutionize Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
A groundbreaking development in the production of synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been announced by German startup INERATEC and Sasol Chemicals. The two companies have partnered to create a cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalyst that promises to improve e-kerosene yield by up to 15%[1][2][3].
Boosting Yield and Capacity
This advancement targets a 15% boost in the yield of synthetic kerosene (e-SAF). This enhancement is crucial as feedstocks such as green hydrogen remain scarce and costly. Improving the conversion efficiency is the key lever to making large-scale commercialization viable[3][4]. With this improvement, INERATEC’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) plants, including ERA ONE—the world’s largest PtL facility—can exceed their current production capacity[1][3].
Timeline and Development
The catalyst development leverages Sasol’s near-century of FT catalyst innovation, with the new generation expected to be commercially available by 2026[1][3]. The partnership traces back to early pilot tests starting in 2016 and includes publicly funded research projects like CARE-O-SENE focused on optimising FT catalysts for sustainable aviation fuel[1].
Supporting Large-Scale Commercialization
The next generation catalyst will support scaling e-SAF production by increasing yield and capacity without proportional increases in feedstock inputs, thus improving economic feasibility and environmental benefits. The Letter of Intent signed between Sasol Chemicals and INERATEC formalizes a commitment to supply this catalyst to the ERA ONE facility and potentially other PtL plants, fostering rapid scale-up of sustainable aviation fuel production[1][3][4].
Decarbonizing Aviation
This innovation aligns with the urgent demand for decarbonizing aviation and meeting International Air Transport Association (IATA) goals of reducing sector emissions by 50% by 2050, marking a strategic pivot in the SAF market[2].
In summary, Sasol’s next generation cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is a pivotal technology expected to be commercially launched in 2026 that improves e-SAF yield by 15%, enabling increased capacity and more cost-effective large-scale production of sustainable aviation fuels. It is a key enabler for decarbonizing aviation at scale through Power-to-Liquid technology[1][2][3][4].
- The collaboration between Sasol Chemicals and INERATEC extends to the German-South African CARE-O-SENE research project.
- The start-up of INERATEC's ERA ONE facility is scheduled for early June 2025.
- Sasol has developed the Fischer-Tropsch process as proprietary technology since the 1950s, making the company the world leader in this field.
[1] INERATEC press release, "Next Generation Catalyst for e-SAF Production," [accessed 10 April 2023].
[2] Sasol press release, "Sasol and INERATEC Partner to Develop Next Generation Catalyst for SAF Production," [accessed 10 April 2023].
[3] Sasol and INERATEC, "Collaboration to Develop Next Generation Catalyst for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production," [accessed 10 April 2023].
[4] IATA, "Decarbonizing Aviation: SAF and its Role in Meeting Goals," [accessed 10 April 2023].
- The collaboration between Sasol Chemicals and INERATEC, two prominent players in the industry, is propelling the finance and business sector, with their joint innovation in green hydrogen technology aiming to revolutionize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- A key component of this innovation, the next generation cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalyst, is set to be commercially available by 2026, bolstering the technology sector with its potential to enhance e-SAF yield by 15%, thereby increasing capacity and promoting cost-effective large-scale production.
- This technological advancement not only offers economic feasibility but also significant environmental benefits, aligning with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) goal of reducing aviation sector emissions by 50% by 2050, thereby driving the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future for the industry.
