Honeywell’s innovative hydrocracking technology converts biomass into sustainable aviation fuel

Honeywell has introduced a new hydrocracking technology that can produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil-based jet fuels. This SAF is 90% less carbon intensive and offers several advantages over other hydroprocessing technologies, including a 3-5% higher output, up to 20% cost reduction, and reduced waste streams.

The newly developed Honeywell FT Unicracking technology is capable of converting waste biomass into sustainable aviation fuel at a lower cost. By processing liquids and waxes from biomass leftovers such as 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, the aviation industry faces challenges due to limited traditional feedstock supplies like vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste oils. Honeywell’s innovative technology, when combined with the Fischer-Tropsch process, expands feedstock options to more abundant sources, enhancing the industry’s ability to produce SAF sustainably.

DG Fuels has selected Honeywell’s FT Unicracking technology for its biofuels manufacturing facility in Louisiana, set to become the world’s largest SAF producer using the FT process. Expected to supply 13,000 barrels of SAF per day starting in 2028, this facility aims to support over 30,000 transatlantic flights annually and significantly contribute to reducing global air travel emissions, aligning with the airline industry’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.