ExxonMobil methanol-to-jet technology to provide new route for SAF production

ExxonMobil announced June 20 a unique process technology to enable the manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable methanol.

“SAF produced from renewable methanol can play an important role in helping the aviation industry achieve the transition to a net-zero future,” said Russ Green, ExxonMobil’s lower-emission fuels venture executive. “Reaching that goal by 2050 will require a multifaceted approach, including advancements in aircraft-related technology, changes to infrastructure and operations, and a dramatic increase in SAF supply. Our process technology can be an important step in this direction.”

Methanol derived from the gasification of biomass and waste, as well as from lower-carbon hydrogen and captured CO2, can be converted into SAF using ExxonMobil’s methanol-to-jet proprietary process technology and catalysts.

Preliminary estimates by ExxonMobil suggest that this solution has a higher yield of jet fuel than other options.

The ExxonMobil solution also provides the flexibility to use a mix of alcohols as feedstock and produce renewable diesel and lower-carbon chemical feedstocks.

“Methanol-to-jet technology is scalable and suitable for the conversion of methanol produced from today's world-scale plants,” said James Ritchie, president of ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing LLC. “The work necessary to qualify the resulting renewable jet fuel pathway has already started.”

ExxonMobil also has process technology and catalysts that are available to customers today that convert other renewable feedstocks, such as used cooking oils, animal fats, and vegetable oil, into renewable jet fuel. ExxonMobil’s analysis shows that its BIDW™ isomerization catalyst provides a jet fuel yield advantage versus alternatives currently available.

ExxonMobil stated it is evaluating opportunities to deploy these process-technology solutions within a portfolio of options to help the aviation industry to decarbonize.

“ExxonMobil is advancing integrated solutions to extend our carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen capabilities to support the decarbonization objectives of our biofuels customers and partners,” said Siva Ariyapadi, bioenergy global business manager.