Sasol Receives Approval for Fully Synthetic Aviation Fuel

South African synthetic fuel producer Sasol has received international approval for its 100% synthetic jet fuel produced by its proprietary coal to liquids process.

Sanctioned by global aviation fuel specification authorities, Sasol’s coal to liquids (CTL) fuel will reportedly be the first fully synthetic fuel to be approved for use in commercial airliners.

The South African company noted that this marks a significant development in the adoption of clean burning alternative fuels for the aviation industry. Engine-out emissions of Sasol’s jet fuel are reportedly lower than those from jet fuel derived from crude oil due to its limited sulfur content.

Sasol said that the approval of its CTL fuel for commercial aviation is also a milestone in the effort to secure domestic energy supply for South Africa and other countries with significant domestic coal and natural gas reserves.

Pat Davies, CEO of Sasol, said: “This approval by the international aviation fuel authorities recognizes the absolute need to develop aviation fuel from feedstocks other than crude-oil in order to meet the world’s growing needs.”