In a significant step for the global clean aviation race, Phelan Green has tapped Honeywell technology to power what could become one of the world’s first large-scale electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) plants.

 

Through its clean fuels arm, Phelan eFuels, the company confirmed it will deploy Honeywell UOP’s Fischer Tropsch (FT) Unicracking process at its planned facility in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape—marking a major vote of confidence in South Africa’s emerging green fuels sector.

 

The technology converts CO2-derived Fischer Tropsch liquids and waxes into aviation-grade fuel, positioning the project at the forefront of low-carbon innovation in a sector under mounting pressure to decarbonize.

 

“We selected Honeywell’s Fischer Tropsch Unicracking process technology because it provides a proven, bankable pathway to produce sustainable aviation fuel at scale,” said Chairman Paschal Phelan. 

 

“This project is a major milestone for Phelan Green and for South Africa’s emerging eFuels economy, and demonstrates our commitment to industrial development, job creation and innovative energy projects that are at the cutting edge of emission reduction.”

 

The facility is a cornerstone of the massive R47 billion (about $2.5 billion) Phelan Green Hydrogen Project—already designated a nationally strategic development by the South African government. Once operational, it is expected to produce more than 140,000 tons of eSAF annually, targeting export markets in the EU and UK.

 

“Honeywell’s technologies are designed to enable scalable, efficient and flexible production of low-carbon fuels,” said Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP. “In this case, our Fischer Tropsch Unicracking process technology will help support Phelan eFuels’ goal to encourage commercial scale sustainable aviation fuel production in South Africa.”

 

Construction is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the project set to generate thousands of jobs across multiple phases. Beyond its economic impact, the development signals South Africa’s ambitions to become a key global supplier of next-generation aviation fuels.