Axens, Idemitsu Pave Way for SAF Production in Japan with Alcohol-to-Jet Solution
(Axens/Biobased Diesel Daily) Axens announced Oct. 26 that Idemitsu has selected Axens’ alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology for its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Japan, contributing to Japan’s energy transition in the field of aviation.
Axens’ ATJ solution is a process by which either first- or second-generation ethanol is converted to SAF via different steps.
It associates technologies with a proven commercial track record of more than 100 reference units operated with similar homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
This project is commissioned by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
“Axens is the only supplier able to provide technology, catalysts and associated services including domestic technical support,” said Junzo Yamamoto, Idemitsu’s executive officer of manufacturing and technology. “This project is a first ATJ project for us. We are already working with NEDO in order to follow the SAF roadmap defined by the Japanese government. We are thrilled to reach this goal by collaborating with Axens’ reliable solutions and are looking forward to a long-term partnership.”
Xavier Decoodt, vice president of Axens’ ATJ product line, added, “Axens is honored to work with Idemitsu. Idemitsu is a great company with a high level of technical skills towards its growing sustainable ambition.”
Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. was founded in 1911 and is one of Japan’s leading producers and suppliers of energy. Its global operations, spanning 67 business bases across 20 countries and regions outside of Japan, encompass fuel oils, lubricants, asphalt, oil and gas development, renewable energy, coal and low-carbon solutions, petrochemicals, electronic materials, and agri-bio products.
Axens, an IFP Group company, provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels like SAF, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics and all natural gas treatment and conversion options. READ MORE
TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN OPENS DOOR TO SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (Brownfield Ag News)
Excerpt from Brownfield Ag News: The head of Nebraska Farm Bureau says the Governor’s recent trade mission to Japan could create new markets for sustainable aviation fuel.
Mark McHargue tells Brownfield he met with the leader of one of Japan’s airlines last week who is interested in tapping into Nebraska’s soybean market. “It’s hard to quantify what or if we end up doing sustainable aviation fuel. It could completely turn our biofuels sector upside down.”
He says it could be a few years before exports begin due to lack of infrastructure in the state. “We would be probably need to get more crush plants. The byproduct would be soybean meal. That might actually be cheaper for our livestock feed because we would have a higher value with biofuel coming out of that.” READ MORE