Axens, Idemitsu pave way for SAF production in Japan with alcohol-to-jet solution

Axens announced Oct. 26 that Idemitsu has selected Axens’ alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology for its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Japan, contributing to Japan’s energy transition in the field of aviation.

Axens’ ATJ solution is a process by which either first- or second-generation ethanol is converted to SAF via different steps.

It associates technologies with a proven commercial track record of more than 100 reference units operated with similar homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

This project is commissioned by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

“Axens is the only supplier able to provide technology, catalysts and associated services including domestic technical support,” said Junzo Yamamoto, Idemitsu’s executive officer of manufacturing and technology. “This project is a first ATJ project for us. We are already working with NEDO in order to follow the SAF roadmap defined by the Japanese government. We are thrilled to reach this goal by collaborating with Axens’ reliable solutions and are looking forward to a long-term partnership.”

Xavier Decoodt, vice president of Axens’ ATJ product line, added, “Axens is honored to work with Idemitsu. Idemitsu is a great company with a high level of technical skills towards its growing sustainable ambition.”

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. was founded in 1911 and is one of Japan’s leading producers and suppliers of energy. Its global operations, spanning 67 business bases across 20 countries and regions outside of Japan, encompass fuel oils, lubricants, asphalt, oil and gas development, renewable energy, coal and low-carbon solutions, petrochemicals, electronic materials, and agri-bio products.

Axens, an IFP Group company, provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels like SAF, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics and all natural gas treatment and conversion options.