Aether produces ASTM-specification SAF at 2.5 b/d integrated demonstration line

Sustainable fuel technology developer Aether Fuels has produced synthetic aviation fuel meeting ASTM D7566 specifications from waste-derived gases at a 2.5 barrel-per-day integrated demonstration line, providing technical validation for its planned 50 b/d Project Beacon facility in Singapore, the company said Sept. 29.

The demonstration combined Aether's Aurora Tri-Converter and Upgrader units with an existing Fischer-Tropsch reactor operated by RTI International in North Carolina. The line completed the conversion of waste-derived gas feedstocks into fully upgraded synthetic jet fuel, according to Aether.

The feedstocks comprised mass-balanced renewable natural gas derived from Kentucky landfill gas and captured industrial CO2. Aether said it believed the demonstration represented the first production in North America of ASTM-specification synthetic aviation fuel from those feedstocks at this scale.

The samples from the demonstration met the applicable requirements for Fischer-Tropsch synthesized paraffinic kerosene under Annex A1 of ASTM D7566, the Aether statement said.

FT-SPK meeting the specification may be blended with conventional kerosene at up to 50% without modifications to existing aircraft fuel tanks, pipelines, or airport fueling infrastructure.

The result should provide operational data for the design of Project Beacon, Aether's planned commercial demonstration plant at Aster's integrated refining and chemical complex on Pulau Bukom, Singapore, the company said.

Singapore scale-up planned

Project Beacon is designed to produce up to 50 b/d, or around 2,000 mt/year, using industrial waste gas and biomethane, and construction is expected to start in 2026, with commercial operations targeted for 2028, Platts reported earlier.

The project is expected to produce SAF with lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions reductions of more than 70% compared with conventional fossil jet fuel, according to Aether.

Aster is expected to provide renewable power, waste-carbon feedstock, utilities, and site support. Locating the plant within an established industrial complex is intended to support the transition from the smaller demonstration equipment toward continuous commercial operation.

Downstream partnerships

Aether and Singapore-based blending technology company FlyORO Technologies signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding in May to explore blending, storage interfaces, certification workflows, logistics, and market delivery for Project Beacon and future facilities.

FlyORO is evaluating the use of its modular AlphaLite system to provide flexible blending closer to production sites, terminals, or airports. The arrangement remains subject to further technical, commercial, and regulatory discussions.

Aether also has an MOU with Singapore Airlines Group covering the potential procurement of neat SAF for five years after Aether's plants commence commercial production, with an option for a further five years.

The agreements indicate prospective demand and downstream cooperation but are not equivalent to binding long-term purchases or confirmation that Project Beacon has reached commercial operation.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed Sustainable Aviation Fuel HEFA-SPK FOB Straits, reflecting CORSIA-certified cargoes, at $2,420/metric ton Sept. 29, down $20/mt from Sept. 28.