Honeywell has recently introduced a new hydrocracking technology that can produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass. This SAF is 90% less carbon intensive than traditional fossil-based jet fuels and offers several advantages over other hydroprocessing technologies, such as a 3-5% higher output, up to 20% cost reduction, and reduced waste streams.
The innovative technology, called Honeywell FT Unicracking, converts waste biomass into SAF at a lower cost. By processing liquids and waxes from biomass leftovers like crop residues, wood waste, and food scraps, this technology produces SAF that meets aviation industry standards while minimizing environmental impact.
As the demand for SAF rises in the aviation industry, there are challenges due to limited traditional feedstock supplies like vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste oils. Honeywell’s new technology expands feedstock options to more abundant sources when combined with the Fischer-Tropsch process. This enhances the industry’s ability to produce SAF sustainably.
DG Fuels has selected Honeywell’s FT Unicracking technology for its biofuels manufacturing facility in Louisiana. The facility will become the world’s largest SAF producer using the FT process and is expected to supply 13,000 barrels of SAF per day starting in 2028. This will support over 30,000 transatlantic flights annually and contribute significantly to reducing global air travel emissions, aligning with the airline industry’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In summary, Honeywell’s new hydrocracking technology is an innovative solution that can help reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry by producing sustainable aviation fuel from biomass. With its lower cost and higher yield compared to other hydroprocessing technologies, it expands feedstock options for producing SAF sustainably. DG Fuels’ selection of this technology for its biofuels manufacturing facility highlights the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in the aviation sector.
