Honeywell’s New Tech to Boost Renewable Aviation Fuel

Honeywell's latest hydrocracking technology is poised to elevate renewable aviation fuel (SAF) production from biomass, offering a 3-5% increase in output and a 20% reduction in costs and byproduct waste compared to other hydroprocessing methods. 

DG Fuels will integrate Honeywell's Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Unicracking technology into its Louisiana biorefinery, aiming to yield 13,000 barrels of SAF per day starting in 2028. This facility will stand as the world's largest utilizing the FT process for SAF production.

"Aviation encounters challenges with limited traditional SAF feedstocks. Our technology expands feedstock options to more abundant sources, enhancing SAF production capabilities," said José Fernandes, President, Honeywell LATAM and VPGM of Energy & Sustainability Solutions.

The technology efficiently converts biomass-derived liquids and waxes into SAF that meets rigorous industry standards. Honeywell's Ecofining process has been commercially producing SAF since 2016, and its renewable fuel portfolio also encompasses Ethanol to Jet and eFining technologies.

Honeywell's advancements play a pivotal role in the industry's quest to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Michael Darcy, CEO, DG Fuels, underscored the impact: "By leveraging Honeywell's technology, DG Fuels will significantly curtail carbon emissions from transatlantic flights."

Globally, over 50 plants have licensed Honeywell's SAF technologies, collectively expected to yield over 500,000 barrels per day.