Phelan Green Selects Honeywell for Innovative eSAF Facility in South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa, April 1, 2026 – Phelan Green, through its clean fuels subsidiary Phelan Efuels, has announced the selection of Honeywell’s renewable fuel process technology for its upcoming Electric Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) facility in Saldanha Bay, located in the Western Cape region of South Africa.
Implementation of Advanced Technology for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Phelan eFuels will utilize Honeywell UOP’s Fischer Tropsch (FT) Unicracking™ process technology. This advanced method leverages FT liquid and wax derived from CO2, enabling the production of eSAF that aligns with aviation industry standards.
Significant Step for Phelan Green and South Africa’s Energy Landscape
Chairman Pascal Ferrand expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the decision to select Honeywell’s Fischer Tropsch unicracking technology underscores a reliable and financially viable pathway to scalable sustainable aviation fuel production. He emphasized that this project marks a pivotal moment not only for Phelan Green but also for South Africa’s budding eFuels sector, highlighting a commitment to innovative energy solutions that drive industrial advancement, job creation, and emission reductions.
A Major Investment in Sustainable Energy Development
The new facility stands at the heart of the Phelan Green Hydrogen Project, which represents a considerable R47 billion (approximately US$2.5 billion) private investment. This project has received formal recognition from the South African government as a national strategic green industrial initiative. Once operational, it is anticipated to be among the world’s first commercial-scale eSAF production facilities, with the capacity to supply over 140,000 tonnes of eSAF to European and UK markets.
Support for Scalable Low-Carbon Fuel Production
Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP, noted that Honeywell’s technology is crafted to facilitate scalable, efficient, and flexible production of low-carbon fuels. He pointed out that the implementation of the Fischer-Tropsch unicracking process will significantly bolster Phelan Efuels’ commitment to advancing the production of sustainable aviation fuel on a commercial scale within South Africa.
Local Economic Impact and Job Creation
Construction of the facility in Saldanha Bay is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with projections indicating the creation of thousands of local jobs across various phases of the project. This initiative aims to position South Africa as a competitive hub for exporting next-generation aviation fuels.
About Phelan Green and Honeywell
Phelan Green has established itself as a successful clean energy developer over the past two decades. The company focuses on large-scale green hydrogen, eFuels, and industrial decarbonization projects through its subsidiary, Phelan eFuels, which is at the forefront of a significant electric sustainable aviation fuel initiative, aiding the global aviation industry’s transition to lower carbon emissions.
Honeywell, a diversified operating company, serves a myriad of industries across the globe. Its portfolio, driven by the Honeywell Accelerator Operating System and Honeywell Forge Platform, provides organizations with innovative solutions across aerospace, building automation, industrial automation, and process technology, aimed at creating a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world. For more information regarding Honeywell’s initiatives, please visit their newsroom.
