FISCHER-TROPSCH TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
Velocys licenses advanced Fischer Tropsch technology that enables the commercial production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and eFuels.
Our microchannel FT reactors and proprietary catalysts increase fuel yield, reduce capital intensity and accelerate project deployment worldwide.
Velocys’ Fischer Tropsch technology roadmap is focused on delivering FT solutions that simplify operation, reduce overall FT unit cost and expand microchannel benefits to larger-scale plants.
The Future of Fuel
VELOCYS IS FISCHER-TROPSCH
We deliver the FT reactor systems, proprietary catalyst, and integration expertise that project developers and EPC firms need to build sustainable fuel plants.
WHAT IS FISCHER–TROPSCH TECHNOLOGY?
Fischer-Tropsch technology converts synthesis gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) into liquid hydrocarbons that can be refined into drop-in fuels.
The process produces synthetic crude, which is upgraded into:
- Sustainable aviation fuel (FT-SPK)
- Renewable diesel
- Synthetic eFuels
FT fuels are chemically similar to fossil-derived fuels and work in existing engines and infrastructure.
Learn more about the chemistry and reactor systems behind Fischer-Tropsch technology.
WHY DOES FISCHER–TROPSCH TECHNOLOGY MATTER FOR SAF?
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is one of the few scalable pathways capable of producing ASTM-approved drop-in sustainable aviation fuel.
FT-derived SAF:
- Meets ASTM International D7566 specifications
- Requires no aircraft modification
- Supports global aviation decarbonization targets
SAF produced using Velocys FT technology was flown commercially by Japan Airlines in 2021.
Explore our Sustainable Aviation Fuel page for regulatory and pathway details.
HOW IS VELOCYS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FT TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS?
Velocys improves Fischer–Tropsch economics through microchannel reactor architecture and highly active catalysts.
Our advantages include:
- 6-10x productivity
- High heat flux
- High per-pass CO conversion
- Compact footprint
These factors reduce plant size, improve yield, and lower overall SAF production cost.
Explore the full platform on our Products and services page, or learn more about Fischer–Tropsch Technology.
WHERE HAS FT TECHNOLOGY BEEN USED IN RENEWABLE FUELS PROJECTS?
Velocys Fischer-Tropsch technology has been deployed successfully at pilot scale, SAF demonstration scale and at commercial scale for producing renewable diesel.
Sustainable aviation fuel and renewable fuel projects include:
- Biomass to SAF in Japan, Austria, and the United States
- Renewable fuels in Oklahoma, USA
- Five demonstration plants across the globe (Australia, Austria, Brazil, Japan, United States)
- More than 13,000 hours of Fisher Tropsch unit operation
- More than 11,000 hours of renewable fuel plant operation
Active and ongoing Fischer Tropsch projects that include Velocys technology
- Biogas to SAF in the Americas
- Multiple waste to SAF projects in the United Kingdom
- Multiple biomass to SAF projects in Asia
- Gas to liquids in Africa
While Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is not new, its integration into renewable fuels pathways is.
Velocys technology has been proven on SAF and renewable fuel projects using multiple FT feedstocks.
WHAT FEEDSTOCKS CAN BE USED WITH FISCHER–TROPSCH TECHNOLOGY?
FT technology converts syngas, not raw biomass or waste, enabling broad feedstock flexibility.
Syngas can be produced from:
- Biogas
- Industrial waste gases
- Biomass, including agricultural and forest residues
- Renewable hydrogen and captured CO₂
- Municipal solid waste
This flexibility supports regionally optimized projects while producing globally fungible fuels.
Learn more on our Renewable Fuel Technology page.
WHERE DOES VELOCYS LICENSE ITS TECHNOLOGY?
Velocys licenses its microFTL™ technology packages globally to project developers and SAF producers.
Our standardized offering includes:
- Microchannel FT reactors
- Proprietary catalyst supply
- Process design and integration support
We support SAF, renewable diesel, and eFuel projects across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Frequently asked questions
What does Fischer–Tropsch produce?
Synthetic hydrocarbons that are upgraded into sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and other low-carbon fuels.
Is Fischer–Tropsch fuel compatible with existing aircraft?
Yes. FT-derived SAF meets ASTM standards and can be blended with conventional Jet-A without engine modification.
Why is heat management important in FT reactors?
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is highly exothermic. Efficient heat removal improves selectivity, stability, and catalyst life.