White Paper: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – Roadmap based on Direct Air Capture of CO₂

Southern Green Gas (SGG) has successfully completed its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project, marking a major step forward for low emissions aviation in New South Wales and beyond.

In October 2022, the NSW Environmental Trust awarded $6.3 million in grants to four clean technology research and development projects aimed at cutting emissions in high-emitting or hard-to-abate sectors to 2030 and beyond. Southern Green Gas was one of the four projects selected and received a $1 million grant as part of a $2.1 million project focused on solar powered e-kerosene production for SAF.

The project has delivered outstanding results. After seven years of development, SGG has now demonstrated its core Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, proving the viability of capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere for use in synthetic fuels. In a world first, the team also demonstrated DAC/algae bioreactor integration.

Building on this work, SGG has released a new white paper, “Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Roadmap based on Direct Air Capture of CO₂”. The paper outlines a scalable pathway for e-SAF production in NSW using small, solar powered DAC-fuel modules positioned in on non-arable land close to existing logistics infrastructure. It also explores process pathways using methanol and algae oils, and sets out the potential for high volume manufacturing and regional deployment in locations such as western NSW.

The roadmap highlights a significant opportunity for industry and government to work together to decarbonise aviation fuel supply while leveraging NSW solar resources, regional development and emerging clean technology supply chains.

To receive a copy of the white paper, please email Southern Green Gas Managing Director, Rohan Gillespie, at rohan.gillespie@southerngreengas.com.au.