Uzbekistan GTL LLC (UzGTL), one of the world’s largest gas-to-liquids (GTL) plants, has successfully completed its 100% Plant Performance Test Run (PTR). This milestone marks the plant’s official transition into full commercial operation, demonstrating its ability to deliver at — and exceed — design capacity under real-world production conditions.

The comprehensive performance test was conducted by joint owners, Air Products (gas production units) and UzGTL (liquid production units). Sasol, as Single Point Licensor, supplied the Sasol SPD™ process technology license, which integrates technologies from Topsoe (Syngas Production), and Chevron (Syncrude refining) with Sasol’s Low Temperature Cobalt Fisher-Tropsch (LTFT) technology and Sasol’s associated water treatment technologies.

The test confirmed the plant’s ability to operate at a production capacity above 100%, passing its design capacity of 37,650 bbl./day by producing 38,310 bbl./day. Critically, all product yield and quality targets, including for diesel and synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK), accredited for direct use for Jet A1 blending (under ASTM D7566), were achieved, both in terms of volume and international specification standards.

“This is an outstanding performance by Uzbekistan GTL and confirms not only the technical soundness of the Sasol SPD™ process, but also the effectiveness of global collaboration,” said Simon Baloyi, President and CEO of Sasol.

“Achieving and exceeding design capacity during the performance test is a major endorsement of our technology, catalyst, project delivery, and long-standing expertise in LTFT GTL technology as well as integrating and collaborating with our technology partners Topsoe and Chevron.”

The performance test validates the following:

   - Stable operation under full production load, for more than 144 hours as well as turndown conditions.
   - Integrated functionality of all technology and utility blocks across the complex.
   - Reliable product quality, produced to international standards.
   - Full operational readiness for commercial production and export.
   - High-efficiency conversion and yield to diesel and kerosene (Jet Fuel).

The successful completion of the Performance Test at the GTL plant is an important milestone that confirms a high level of preparation and the ability to work effectively as a team. The combined efforts of specialists from Uzbekistan GTL, Air Products and Sasol contributed to the successful achievement of the set objectives, demonstrating reliability and quality that meet the high standards of our industry.

The Uzbekistan GTL plant converts 340 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of natural gas into 37,650 bbl./day high-quality, low-sulphur liquid fuels and feedstocks making it the largest Sasol SPD™-based facility in the world, utilising the largest slurry LTFT Reactors and the largest Auto Thermal Reformers in the world.

About Sasol

Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company. We harness our knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. We safely and sustainably source, produce and market a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, creating value for stakeholders. Our purpose “Innovating for a better world” compels us to deliver on triple bottom line outcomes of People, Planet and Profit, responsibly and always with the intent to be a force for good.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) is a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy, environmental, and emerging markets. The Company has two growth pillars driven by sustainability. Air Products’ base business provides essential industrial gases, related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries, including refining, chemicals, metals, electronics, manufacturing, and food. The Company also develops, engineers, builds, owns and operates some of the world's largest clean hydrogen projects supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy in the heavy-duty transportation and industrial sectors. Additionally, Air Products provides turbomachinery, membrane systems and cryogenic containers globally.

The Company had fiscal 2023 sales of $12.6 billion from operations in approximately 50 countries and has a current market capitalization of approximately $60 billion. Approximately 23,000 passionate, talented and committed employees from diverse backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and reimagine what's possible to address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world.