- Uniper and Sasol ecoFT will enter the next phase of the SkyFuelH2 project, the first-of-its-kind plant for production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Långsele, Sollefteå, Sweden
   - Subject to a final investment decision in the future, the plant is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide the aviation industry with a sustainable fuel alternative

Uniper and Sasol ecoFT (a division of Sasol) have jointly applied for funding from the Swedish Energy Agency for the next phase of development and to the EU Innovation Fund for overall project funding. The final decision on the award is likely to be received during the next study phase.

In SkyFuelH2, biomass and renewable hydrogen feedstock will be combined using Sasol’s proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology to produce SAF on an industrial scale, which will be a global first. The biomass comes from processed forestry residues. The hydrogen will come from an electrolysis unit that uses locally available renewable electricity. Both ensure a fully sustainable value chain and a product in accordance with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II/III).

The partners will continue further development work, with the support of the Sollefteå municipality. The ambition is to begin construction of the SkyFuelH2 facility in 2025, subject to achieving FID (final investment decision), and potentially supplying the aviation industry with sustainable aviation fuel as early as 2028.

“At Uniper, we are striving to be pioneers in the fossil-free transition of our industry and of society. There is significant demand for fossil-free fuels in the aviation sector, a key element on the pathway to reaching the globally agreed upon climate targets. Using green hydrogen to produce liquid fuels is a key pathway to climate neutrality, and SkyFuelH2 continues to be a prioritized project for Uniper. The decision to proceed with the next step in the development of SkyFuelH2 emphasizes this. We are now looking forward to taking the next steps together with Sasol ecoFT, Sollefteå Municipality and our stakeholders”, said Holger Kreetz, COO at Uniper.

“We at Sasol continue to innovate for a better world with our proven Fischer-Tropsch technology aimed at applying green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources as feedstock in our proprietary Power-to-Liquids (PtL) process. SkyFuelH2 supports the pioneering efforts of key stakeholders within Sweden to leverage its endowment of biomass residues and hydropower to produce sustainable fuels in support of decarbonization strategies of the aviation industry, and we support further development of the opportunity” said Fleetwood Grobler, President and CEO of Sasol Limited.

About Uniper

Düsseldorf-based Uniper is an international energy company with activities in more than 40 countries. With around 7,000 employees, it makes an important contribution to security of supply in Europe. Uniper’s core businesses are power generation in Europe, global energy trading, and a broad gas portfolio. Uniper procures gas – including liquefied natural gas (LNG) – and other energy sources on global markets. The company owns and operates gas storage facilities with a capacity of more than 7 billion cubic meters. Uniper plans for its 22.5 GW of installed power-generating capacity in Europe to be carbon-neutral by 2035. The company already ranks among Europe’s largest operators of hydroelectric plants and intends to further expand solar and wind energy, which are essential for a more sustainable and autonomous future.

Uniper is a reliable partner for communities, municipal utilities, and industrial enterprises for planning and implementing innovative, lower-carbon solutions on their decarbonization journey. Uniper is a hydrogen pioneer, is active worldwide along the entire hydrogen value chain, and is conducting projects to make hydrogen a mainstay of the energy supply.

About Sasol ecoFT

Sasol is a global chemical and energy company, head quartered in South Africa. Sasol produces and markets a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, creating value for stakeholders. Sasol places sustainability firmly at the center of its strategy.

Sasol ecoFT is part of the Sasol Group and world-leader in the development and application of the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology with more than 70 years’ experience. Sasol ecoFT leverages it proprietary technology, know-how and expertise to produce sustainable fuels and chemicals from green hydrogen and sustainable carbon sources, via the Power-to-Liquids (PtL) process. By deploying sustainable FT solutions globally, the company contributes to a thriving planet, society, enterprise and innovate for a better world.