Chasing green molecules, a moment of opportunity

Rhea-AI Summary

Sasol ecoFT announces its commitment to advancing decarbonization through its proprietary Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology, capable of producing sustainable fuels and chemicals. With a significant portion of global CO₂ emissions arising from hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and shipping, Sasol aims to leverage green hydrogen and bio-based carbon to mitigate these emissions. The company highlights that existing synthetic aviation fuels are already accredited, positioning FT technology as a key player in the Sustainable Aviation Fuels market by 2035. Partnerships with industry leaders further support Sasol's goal of transitioning to net zero.

Positive

• Sasol's FT technology enables the production of sustainable 'drop-in' fuels and chemicals using green hydrogen and captured carbon.
• Existing synthetic aviation fuels have received accreditation from IATA and major industry players, enhancing market credibility.
• Sasol ecoFT's partnerships with industry leaders position them strategically for future growth in sustainable fuels.

Negative

• None.

By Dr Helge Sachs, Senior Vice President Sasol ecoFT

JOHANNESBURG, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Investment in mobility is increasing, not slowing down. Billions of dollars are being spent on researching and developing new technologies, like autonomous driving or the production of carbon neutral fuels for shipping, vehicles and aviation. This increased mobility will result in an increase in carbon emissions if these new technologies are not implemented quickly and if we do not do something fundamentally different.

CO₂ emissions have risen rapidly in the last two decades with almost 50%* of total global carbon emissions coming from aviation (308 million tonnes per annum), shipping (262 million tonnes per annum) and heavy-duty traffic (762 million tonnes per annum). The world needs to decarbonise, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors and industries where the change needed is unprecedented.

Significant research and development is going into exploring and pursuing technologies to help these sectors and industries reduce their global carbon emissions.  Many of these technologies are nascent and not yet tested scale. However, Sasol has existing, commercial proven technology at scale that can advance decarbonisation - FT (Fischer Trospch) technology.

FT technology has enormous potential for tomorrow's sustainable world. FT is one of the most unique and readily available technologies that can produce sustainable "drop-in" fuels and chemicals. Its hydrogen and carbon feedstock flexibility means it can use green hydrogen and bio-based carbon or captured carbon to produce sustainable synthetic fuels and chemicals. These products are derived from syngas, which is a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, traditionally from gasification of solid feedstocks, such as coal or biomass or by reforming of natural gas.

However, as mentioned FT is agnostic to the origin of the components of the syngas (derived from the combination of carbon and hydrogen) as an input/feedstock to the FT process, and with different catalyst formulations and operating conditions, the product slate can be adjusted to suit particular market requirements.  By manipulating the catalyst formulation and operating conditions of the process, FT products can range from hard waxes to diesel, aviation fuel, other lighter fuels and a range of intermediate products for chemicals manufacturing.

Power-to-Liquids (PtL), leveraging FT technology, is set to be the winner in the Sustainable Aviation Fuels market from 2035 onwards, as other technologies face feedstock availability limitations, retained carbon emission footprint, scalability and/or land and water use limitations. FT technology is fully compatible with green feedstocks to produce sustainable products that are sought after in a low-carbon world.

Our existing synthetic aviation fuels are already accredited by a number of industry players, such as IATA, aircraft and engine manufacturers, airlines and government agencies. 

We have partnerships with leading industry players and companies to advance our ambitions of helping the world transition to net zero. Together with like-minded partners, we have the technology to achieve this ambition. And the opportunity is now.

*Source: International Energy Outlook 2019

About Sasol ecoFT

Sasol ecoFT is a pioneer in sustainable fuels and chemicals through its proprietary FT (Fischer-Tropsch) technology that converts green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources into sustainable products. As part of Sasol, a global leader in synthetic fuels and chemicals, we have more than 70 years' experience in providing sustainable FT solutions globally. We seek to contribute to a thriving planet, society, enterprise and innovate for a better world.

For more information:

Ezena Reyneke
Brand and Communications Lead
Sasol ecoFT
Email: Ezena.reyneke@sasol.com
Mobile: (+27) 82 776 0855

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chasing-green-molecules-a-moment-of-opportunity-301593471.html

SOURCE Sasol ecoFT

FAQ

What is Sasol ecoFT's role in reducing carbon emissions?

Sasol ecoFT utilizes its Fischer-Tropsch technology to produce sustainable fuels and chemicals, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate sectors.

How does Sasol's Fischer-Tropsch technology work?

Sasol's Fischer-Tropsch technology converts green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources into sustainable products, using syngas as a feedstock.

What are the future prospects for Sasol ecoFT's sustainable aviation fuels?

Sasol ecoFT's sustainable aviation fuels are expected to dominate the market by 2035, leveraging their FT technology's compatibility with green feedstocks.

Which sectors contribute significantly to global carbon emissions according to Sasol?

Aviation, shipping, and heavy-duty traffic are identified as major sectors contributing to global carbon emissions.

What partnerships has Sasol formed to advance its sustainable goals?

Sasol ecoFT has established partnerships with leading industry players to help drive the transition to net zero emissions.