SAF projects
SAF projects are industrial developments designed to produce sustainable aviation fuel from renewable or waste-based carbon sources using approved fuel pathways.
These projects vary by feedstock, location, and technology pathway, but all must align feedstock supply, fuel production technology, and aviation fuel standards to reach commercial deployment.
Quick answers on this page
What is a SAF project?
A SAF project is a fuel production development built to convert non-fossil carbon sources into aviation fuel suitable for commercial aircraft.
A project typically includes:
- feedstock sourcing
- process technology selection
- engineering design
- fuel upgrading
- commercial offtake planning
- permitting, site planning, and community engagement
Because SAF pathways differ, project design depends heavily on local feedstock and regional market conditions.
What feedstocks are used in SAF projects?
SAF projects are usually built around the most reliable feedstock sources available in a given region.
Examples include:
- biogas
- municipal solid waste
- woody biomass
- agricultural residues
- renewable hydrogen with captured or biogenic carbon dioxide
Feedstock choice strongly affects plant design and economics.
Why do SAF projects use different production pathways?
Different feedstocks require different conversion chemistry before aviation fuel can be produced.
Common SAF project pathways include:
- HEFA
- Fischer–Tropsch
- Alcohol-to-jet
- Power-to-liquids
Projects in which Velocys participates focus on syngas-based Fischer-Tropsch pathways, which include power-to-liquids plants.
For pathway detail, see ASTM approved SAF pathways.
How does Fischer-Tropsch support SAF projects?
In syngas-based SAF projects, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis converts hydrogen and carbon monoxide into synthetic hydrocarbons that are later upgraded into aviation fuel fractions.
This allows feedstocks such as:
- waste
- biomass
- biogas
to enter a common hydrocarbon production pathway.
See Syngas to SAF.
What makes a SAF project commercially viable?
Commercial SAF projects depend on feedstock security, technology readiness, utility availability, offtake alignment, permitting, along with policy and local community support.
Successful projects usually require:
- stable feedstock supply
- proven fuel pathway
- financing confidence
- airline or fuel buyer demand
- community awareness and buy-in
Project development often takes several years before production begins.
Velocys SAF projects
Velocys supports SAF projects using Fischer-Tropsch technology across multiple feedstock pathways.
NovaSAF 1
NovaSAF 1 is a biogas-to-SAF project designed to convert renewable methane into sustainable aviation fuel through syngas production and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
Primary pathway:
Biogas to SAF
Altalto
Altalto is a waste-to-SAF project in the UK designed to convert municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation fuel.
Primary pathway:
Waste to SAF
SuMo Engineering project
The SuMo project focuses on biomass-to-SAF development using woody biomass feedstocks as the carbon source for fuel production.
Primary pathway:
Biomass to SAF
Envia Energy
Envia demonstrated compact Fischer-Tropsch fuel production through a modular gas-to-liquids system.
Primary pathway:
Gas to liquids plant
Why do SAF projects matter now?
SAF projects are essential because aviation needs real production capacity, not only fuel targets.
Project deployment determines whether SAF supply can scale to meet:
- airline demand
- fuel mandates
- decarbonization targets
- fuel security goals
Frequently asked questions
Are all SAF projects using the same technology?
No. Projects differ depending on feedstock and conversion pathway.
Are SAF projects already operating commercially?
Some projects are operating, while many others are in development or engineering stages.
Can waste be used in SAF projects?
Yes. Several SAF pathways are designed around waste-derived feedstocks.
Is Fischer-Tropsch used in multiple SAF projects?
Yes. It is one approved pathway for syngas-based SAF systems.