Phelan Green Partners with Honeywell for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility in South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa, April 1, 2026 – Phelan Green, through its clean fuels subsidiary, Phelan Efuels, has officially chosen Honeywell’s renewable fuel process technology for its upcoming Electric Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) facility in Saldanha Bay, located in the Western Cape.
Implementation of Advanced Technology
Phelan eFuels plans to utilize Honeywell UOP’s Fischer Tropsch (FT) Unicracking™ process technology. This innovative approach converts CO2 into FT liquid and wax, creating an eSAF that meets the stringent standards set by the aviation industry.
Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Chairman Pascal Ferrand expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We selected Honeywell’s Fischer-Tropsch unicracking process technology because it provides a proven and financeable route to producing sustainable aviation fuel at scale.” He added that this initiative represents a significant milestone for Phelan Green and South Africa’s burgeoning eFuels sector, highlighting their dedication to pioneering energy projects that promote industrial growth, job creation, and reduction of emissions.
Major Investment in Green Industry
The new facility is a central component of the Phelan Green Hydrogen Project, which has attracted a significant private investment of R47 billion (approximately US$2.5 billion). This project has received formal recognition from the South African government as a national strategic initiative in green industry development. Once operational, the facility is poised to become one of the world’s first commercial-scale eSAF production centers, supplying over 140,000 tonnes of eSAF to markets in the EU and the UK.
Technological Advancements in Fuel Production
Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP, emphasized the capabilities of Honeywell’s technology, stating, “Our Fischer-Tropsch unicracking process technology will support Phelan Efuels’ mission to advance sustainable aviation fuel production on a commercial scale in South Africa.” The technology is specifically designed to facilitate scalable, efficient, and flexible production of low-carbon fuels.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Construction of the facility at Saldanha Bay is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. This project aims to create thousands of local jobs across multiple development phases, positioning South Africa as a competitive export hub for next-generation aviation fuels.
About Phelan Green
Phelan Green has been a leader in clean energy development for over two decades. The company specializes in large-scale green hydrogen, eFuels, and industrial decarbonization initiatives through its sustainable fuels development platform. With its subsidiary Phelan eFuels, the company is spearheading one of the most significant electric sustainable aviation fuel projects worldwide, supporting a global shift towards reduced carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
About Honeywell
Honeywell is an integrated technology and manufacturing company that leverages the Honeywell Accelerator Operating System and Honeywell Forge Platform. With a presence across various industries and regions, Honeywell collaborates with organizations to address the world’s most challenging issues, delivering innovative solutions in aerospace, building automation, industrial automation, and process technology. For more updates from Honeywell, please visit their newsroom.
