Phelan Green Energy Selects Honeywell Technology For Flagship 140,000 Tonne South African Biofuel Project

Phelan Green Energy selects Honeywell technology for a 140,000-tonne eSAF plant in South Africa. Construction at Saldanha Bay begins in late 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 11:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Renewables Now

Strategic Technology Partnership For South African Aviation Fuel

Phelan Green Energy has officially selected Honeywell’s renewable fuel process technology to power its ambitious electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) project in South Africa. The collaboration, finalized through the Phelan eFuels subsidiary, centers on the implementation of Honeywell UOP’s Fischer Tropsch (FT) Unicracking process. This advanced technical solution is designed to transform FT liquids and waxes, derived from carbon dioxide, into high-grade aviation fuel that meets rigorous international industry standards. The partnership marks a significant step in the development of the region's green energy infrastructure and export capabilities.

Integration Within The Saldanha Bay Green Hydrogen Hub

The eSAF facility will be situated in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, serving as a critical component of the broader Phelan Green Hydrogen Project. This massive undertaking, valued at approximately ZAR 47 billion, represents a major commitment to green hydrogen and ammonia production. The South African government has formally recognized the initiative as a nationally strategic green industrial development, highlighting its importance to the country’s economic and environmental goals. By anchoring the project in a strategic coastal location, the developers aim to streamline the logistics of large-scale biofuel production and distribution.

Targeting European And British Sustainable Energy Markets

The primary objective of the Saldanha Bay facility is the production of over 140,000 tonnes of eSAF specifically destined for the European Union and United Kingdom markets. As international aviation regulations tighten, the demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional jet fuel has reached record levels. Phelan Green’s decision to focus on these export markets aligns with global shifts toward decarbonized transportation and provides South Africa with a high-value entry point into the international bioenergy trade. The project is positioned to be a leading contributor to the global supply of compliant, low-emission fuels.