Johnson Matthey and bp’s co-developed Fischer Tropsh technology has been selected by EDL Anlagenbau Gesellschaft’s hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Germany.

The technology developed by Johnson Matthey and bp, converts synthesis gas into long-chain hydrocarbons which are suitable for being applied to the production of renewable diesel and SAFs. Their input in this project is incredibly important as it will allow the project, which their technology will be benefitting, take the next step.

EDL is running a large SAF plant project in Germany and within the project is the HyKero plant in Böhlen-Lippendorf which is currently planning to produce 50,000 tons of SAF every year, when it becomes fully operational. The plant also plans to produce 14,000 tons of naptha and an estimated 1,000 tons of green hydrogen every year. This plant has been strategically chosen as it is in a prime location to provide fuel for Leipzig-Halle international airport. Once the plant s operational, EDL have stated that XFuels HyKero, their subsidiary will operate it.

This project was created after an agreement between the European Parliament and Council was made, upon the ReFuelEU Aviation proposal, which stated that SAFs should make up 2% of the aviation fuel supply at airports, commencing in 2025, with the aim to reach 70% by 2050. Therefore, the investment in the new co-developed technology, will provide significant help to this necessary project.

The CEO of EDL and XFuels HyKero, Dr. Michael Haid, commented, “The FT CANS technology enhances the value of our HyKero plant for converting sustainable carbon sources like bio-methane, together with renewable power and carbon dioxide into eSAF. We look forward to working with Johnson Matthey and bp as we build out the HyKero plant portfolio in Germany and abroad.”

Alberto Giovanzana, the Managing Director of CT Licensing at Johnson Matthey, said, “We are therefore very excited that EDL has chosen our FT CANS technology, developed in collaboration with bp, to supply airlines with sustainable aviation fuel that can be used in their existing fleets.”