Velocys’ Fischer–Tropsch Tech Picked For E-fuels Project In Japan
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Renewables Now.
Fischer–Tropsch technology has a chequered history, as it has been used by regimes like Nazi Germany and South Africa under apartheid to create the fuel they need.
But now Oxford University spin-out company; Velocys have improved the process, so that it can turn rubbish destined for landfill into sustainable aviation fuel.
This is the last paragraph from the article.
The developer says its FT reactor can enable the production of SAF from household waste and woody biomass. The end product is a high-quality version of existing fuels, requiring no changes to engines or infrastructure, Velocys says on its website.
This is surely a viable alternative to keep airlines flying, until hydrogen-powered planes are developed.
The Anonymous Widower 
I was never good on chemistry but Fischer-Tropsch technology and biomass into fuel versus the alternative hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids technique for SAFs leaves me confused. Blending the base product with kerosene to make these interim zero net carbon fuels has been dragging on for years since KLM first announced their intention to use it about 10 years ago.
I only know about Velocys because a friend introduced me to the company as a possible investment when it was still called Oxford Scientifics.
Velocys worked with British Airways and Shell Aviation until the latter dropped out to pursue the alternative HEPA process.
As time goes by, progress on the introduction of SAFs drags on, and the climate debate gets more frantic you wonder whether SAFs will have, even a short term future.
Comment by fammorris | August 29, 2021 |
In some ways the most interesting thing about Velocys is that there is a novel catalyst in there somewhere. I feel that catalyst technology could improve in lots of areas in the future, which could open up new and better methods in chemistry.
As to \Velocys and sustainable aviation fuel, I think they have a great advantage if they can dramatically cut the amount of waste going into landfill.
New land is difficult to make!
Comment by AnonW | August 29, 2021 |
I couldn’t tell you which on balance is the better technology so I won’t guess. Obviously after a nearly 20 years since Velocys’ founding the need for SAFs isn’t being treated with any urgency.
The government gave Velocys a share of a £15 million fund I July
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-fuels-green-skies-gfgs-competition/green-fuels-green-skies-gfgs-competition-shortlisted-proposals
Comment by fammorris | August 29, 2021