DHL, Sasol, and HH2E collaborate on green jet fuel project

DHL, the German logistics powerhouse, is joining forces with hydrogen firm HH2E and South African petrochemicals company Sasol to bolster sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in Germany, as announced by HH2E.

The trio has inked an agreement to pioneer a joint venture aimed at establishing production capacities for SAFs derived from green hydrogen, termed eSAFs. The proposed production site is slated for a location in eastern Germany. Initial production targets are set at a minimum of 200,000 tonnes annually, with aspirations to eventually ramp up to half a million tonnes each year.

Airbus, the renowned aircraft manufacturer, has also expressed interest in becoming part of this consortium, intending to utilise the produced jet fuel for its operations.

This collaboration was unveiled during the National Aviation Conference held in Hamburg, Germany, last week. At the event, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised the critical role of expanding SAF production to align with the European Union’s climate objectives.

The involved companies are optimistic about initiating eSAF production in Germany by the end of the decade. Immediate steps include detailed technical and financial planning, securing financing, and establishing a clear regulatory framework.

Sasol, globally recognised for its coal and gas-based fuels and chemicals production, is on a mission to slash its emissions by 30% come 2030. The company has also entered into a SAF partnership with Danish decarbonisation firm Haldor Topsoe.