IHI Launches New Bench-Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Test Rig in Singapore with and A*STAR ISCE²

(IHI) IHI and IHI ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD. (“IHI”), in collaboration with the A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (“A*STAR ISCE²”) ^(*1)in Singapore, held an opening ceremony on January 15, 2025 to mark the completion of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)^(*2)production test rig for CO2 direct-conversion to liquid hydrocarbons, with a capacity of 5 kg per day. The technology streamlines the process by enabling a single step carbon dioxide direct-conversion to liquid hydrocarbons. This approach simplifies the production process, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational complexity.

The event was attended by over 100 guests, including government officials from various countries and the companies and organizations involved in the SAF value chain. IHI showcased the SAF production technology currently under development and its future ambition toward commercialization.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set a long-term goal of net zero aircraft CO2 emissions by 2050, and it is envisaged that many conventional fossil-based aviation fuels will be replaced by SAF. In response this need, IHI is developing catalysts and building efficient processes to produce SAF directly from CO2 and hydrogen.

IHI and A*STAR ISCE² have previously developed a novel catalyst for SAF production in 2022, which was confirmed to have world-class performance in laboratory tests. The performance and durability of this catalyst will now be evaluated in the newly installed test rig. Both parties will further optimize the operating conditions of the test rig and acquire reactor data to verify the entire production process.

IHI aims to accelerate the SAF deployment through cooperation with various partners, eyeing ASTM approval^(*3) in the latter half of the 2020s and commercialization of the technology around 2030.

(*1) A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (A*STAR ISCE²)
A*STAR has established a research institute to support Singapore’s sustainability goals. Known as the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²), the institute advances R&D in areas such as low-carbon technologies, carbon life cycle assessment, sustainable materials and green manufacturing processes using the latest digitalization and automation tools. See https://www.a-star.edu.sg/isce2/about-us for detail.

(*2)SAF（Sustainable Aviation Fuel）
Aviation fuel produced from non-conventional, sustainable feedstocks. Efforts to promote the use of SAF across the world are gaining momentum since SAF could decrease its lifecycle emission ranging from fuel production to combustion compared to conventional fossil fuels without changing existing aviation infrastructures.

(*3)ASTM Approval
For commercial deployment of SAF, the fuel must meet the standard ASTM D7566, the specification for synthetic aviation turbine fuels, regulated by ASTM International.

[Related News Releases]
September 15, 2022　(Japanese) IHI begins joint research on SAF synthesis
-Accelerating development of CO2 to value products conversion technology-
https://www.ihi.co.jp/all_news/2022/technology/1198033_3481.html

December 19, 2022　(Japanese) IHI succeeds in world’s top level yield of CO2 to hydrocarbon conversion
- Accelerating development of CO2 to value products conversion technology-
https://www.ihi.co.jp/all_news/2022/technology/1198123_3481.html

June 24, 2024　Decision to install small-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production test rig for further development of CO₂ to SAF synthesis technologies
-The next stage of world-class synthesis technology development-
https://www.ihi.co.jp/all_news/2024/technology/1200870_13684.html

November 5, 2024 IHI signs an MoU with the A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment in Singapore to accelerate SAF commercialization
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/all_news/2024/technology/1201109_13699.html

[Related Video]
【IHI】Building a New Tomorrow with Technology – Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5Dgq184xmo

[Related Papers]
IHI Engineering Review Vol.57 No.1(2024)　
Catalytic Conversion of CO₂ to Lower Olefins and SAF for Sustainable Materials and Fuel Production
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/technology/techinfo/contents_no/_icsFiles/afieldfile/2024/03/20,Vol57No1_07.pdf