Topsoe Lands Inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project in China

Topsoe, a renowned expert in carbon emission reduction technologies worldwide, has forged a partnership with Guangxi Hongkun Biomass. The collaboration entails the deployment of Topsoe's HydroFlex™ technology for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production at Guangxi Hongkun Biomass' facility located in the Qinzhou Port Area Free Trade Pilot Zone of Guangxi, China. Marking a significant milestone, this agreement signifies Topsoe's inaugural SAF project in China.

Topsoe is set to supply its HydroFlex™ technology for the endeavor, aimed at processing an estimated 300,000 tons of feedstock annually.

Construction of Guangxi Hongkun Biomass's SAF production plant is anticipated to commence in May 2024, with SAF production slated to commence within the initial months of 2026.

Topsoe holds the position of global leadership in renewable diesel and SAF, with Topsoe technology constituting one-third of all operational capacity in this sector.

Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, expressed, "We are actively broadening our SAF technology portfolio worldwide, and it's exciting to establish our inaugural agreement to provide SAF production technology to a partner in China. This milestone marks a significant stride in introducing an alternative to traditional jet fuel within this region and aligns with our ongoing commitment to global decarbonization efforts. We eagerly anticipate deepening our collaboration with Guangxi Hongkun Biomass to advance their decarbonization objectives."

Jiaming Liu, General Manager of Guangxi Hongkun Biomass, commented, "Topsoe showcases world-class expertise in biomass and renewable fuel production, and we are highly impressed by its leading-edge technology and significant market influence in this domain. Following a thorough selection process, we are confident that Topsoe is well-equipped to provide robust support to Hongkun in the realm of bio-aviation fuel production. Guangxi Hongkun and Topsoe remain committed to bolstering our collaboration in green methanol, green ammonia, and green hydrogen ventures, with the aim of fostering green, low-carbon, efficient, safe, and high-quality sustainable development."

Topsoe's inclusion is poised to tackle the surging need for SAF. As outlined in the International Energy Agency's Net Zero Scenario, the aviation sector must incorporate over 10% of SAF into its fuel consumption by 2030 to align with the trajectory for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. However, as of 2022, global SAF production merely represents approximately 0.1% to 0.15% of the total demand for jet fuel, as estimated by the International Air Transport Association.

Utilizing HydroFlex™, clients have the capability to transform diverse fats, oils, and greases into renewable jet and diesel fuels that comply with universally recognized specifications. Topsoe's HydroFlex™ technology is adaptable for use in both new installations and retrofit projects, enabling co-processing or fully renewable applications.