This groundbreaking facility marks a significant step forward in the production of renewable fuels, offering unprecedented flexibility to produce either 100% SAF or 100% renewable diesel (RD) to meet the rapidly changing demands of the market.
A major milestone in the global energy transition has been achieved with the successful startup of a first-of-its-kind 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit in Asia, powered by Axens' innovative Vegan® technology.
The unit, which has a capacity to convert 300,000 tonnes per annum (KTA) of renewable feedstock into high-value SAF, is a testament to Axens' commitment to developing sustainable and efficient solutions for the energy sector. Unlike other technologies that co-produce renewable diesel, the Vegan® process is uniquely designed to prevent the co-production of RD when not desired, allowing for the maximization of SAF output. This is a critical advantage, as the aviation industry looks to rapidly scale up the use of SAF to meet its decarbonization goals.
A key feature that sets this solution apart is its ability to achieve 100% SAF mode without the need for an additional hydrocracking stage. This streamlined two-stage process, combined with an innovative catalyst solution, including the Axens 700 series, not only simplifies the production process but also significantly reduces capital expenditure (CAPEX) for refiners. Since its kick-off a few months ago, the unit has demonstrated stable operations and positive performance, proving the efficiency and reliability of the technology.
The successful launch of this unit is a major win for Axens and its partners, showcasing a more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective approach to producing sustainable fuels. The ability to easily switch between producing 100% SAF and 100% RD gives refiners the agility to respond to market signals and regulatory requirements without extensive modifications. As global demand for SAF continues to grow, driven by both corporate and regulatory mandates, this technology provides a scalable solution that can help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Axens’ Vegan® technology, a second-generation hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) solution, is capable of processing a wide range of lipid feedstocks, including waste products like used cooking oil and animal fats. This versatility in feedstock further enhances the sustainability of the process by utilizing materials that would otherwise be discarded. The project serves as a powerful model for the industry, demonstrating how existing refinery infrastructure can be retrofitted to produce high-quality, renewable fuels. The company has previously announced a contract to provide this technology to Haike Chemicals for a SAF project in China, which was a first for the region, highlighting the growing adoption of their solutions in Asia.
