PR96657

MUNICH and JOHANNESBURG, 22 June 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Deutsche Aircraft and Sasol ecoFT sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to

advance Power-to-Liquid as a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (PtL-SAF / H2-SAF(PTL))

- Both partners recognize the urgency of climate mitigation

- Existing Fischer-Tropsch fuels will be used to expedite technology

development and production ramp-up, with the ultimate goal to enable a

carbon-neutral fuel for the D328eco

German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft and South African chemicals and

energy company Sasol have signed a MoU on advancing technology for green

hydrogen-based PtL-SAF in aviation. Sasol ecoFT and Deutsche Aircraft have both

recognised the urgency in transitioning towards climate neutral aviation. The

two companies thus plan to foster the certification of sustainable drop-in and

non-drop-in jet fuels, more particularly the ramp-up of PtL-SAF for aviation.

With its D328eco program, Deutsche Aircraft is working on an aircraft in the

under 50-seat market, that will achieve near carbon neutrality. The aircraft,

which is scheduled to be certified in 2026, will be able to use 100% H2-SAF

(PtL) on top of any other certified sustainable aviation fuel and regular

kerosene.

Sasol ecoFT is an ideal partner for that task as the South African company is

the world leader in FT (Fischer-Tropsch) technology. Sasol ecoFT leverages

Sasol's extensive FT experience, proprietary technology, and catalysts to

produce sustainable fuels and chemicals via Power-to-X processes.

From a fossil heritage to a sustainable future

"Sasol ecoFT and Deutsche Aircraft stand at the beginning of a decarbonisation

journey. We both have products originally designed in the age of fossil fuels.

Together we can develop rapid solutions to combat climate change by improving

our products while building on our heritage and expertise," comments Dave

Jackson, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft.

PtL-SAF is a scalable, and thus long-term solution to minimise the carbon

dioxide (CO2) footprint of aviation. The process uses for example CO2 recycled

from regular air, and hydrogen, produced with green energy, to form a synthetic

fuel. Fuels manufactured like this still have the similar characteristics as

regular kerosene: high energy density at low volume, proven safety, and

distribution by established infrastructure. Furthermore, these fuels contain

less aromatics and sulphur, thus improve local air quality and reduce the

high-altitude impact of aviation.

Deutsche Aircraft and Sasol will not only work on technology and production

aspects of H2-SAF (PtL), but also aim at a certification for this type of fuel

to be used as drop-in or non-drop-in jet fuel.

From Coal-to-Liquid to PtL-SAF

PtL-SAF is chemically similar to Coal-to-Liquid (CtL), in which Sasol has deep

global experience at deploying at industrial scale. As a first step of their

partnership Sasol ecoFT and Deutsche Aircraft will explore the compatibility of

materials and system components with blended synthetic fuels produced through

Sasol's FT technology currently applied in its existing CtL process. The

priority of this aspect of the project is to expedite the certification of more

sustainable PtL-SAF options.

"We are extremely excited about the partnership with Deutsche Aircraft as we

take a holistic approach to climate-neutral aviation by looking at the whole

value chain from fuel production up to aircraft system level. Joining forces

between aircraft manufacturers and fuel producers is vital, if we want to

ensure that aviation becomes sustainable, while ensuring the highest possible

safety standards," concluded Helge Sachs, Senior Vice President, of Sasol ecoFT.

Note to Editors

If you have any further questions about the topic or require additional

information. We are happy to help, or to set up an interview with high level

representatives from Deutsche Aircraft and Sasol.

Contact for press: pressoffice@DeutscheAircraft.com

About Deutsche Aircraft

Founded on the proud heritage of Dornier and Germany's reputation for

engineering design, quality and innovation, Deutsche Aircraft is the new

purpose-driven German OEM. As Dornier 328 type certificate holder, Deutsche

Aircraft will enable future development of the Do328 platform, and exploit

future technologies and capabilities to produce a more efficient, economic and

environmentally friendly aircraft, and to drive the future of aviation towards

climate-neutral flight. Together with the participation of the German

Government, Deutsche Aircraft is leading the way in a new era of a cleaner,

safer and more efficient aviation.

About Sasol ecoFT

Sasol ecoFT is a pioneer in sustainable fuels and chemicals through its

proprietary FT (Fischer-Tropsch) technology that converts green hydrogen and

sustainable carbon sources into sustainable products. As part of Sasol, a

global leader in synthetic fuels and chemicals, we have more than 70 years'

experience in providing sustainable FT solutions globally. We seek to

contribute to a thriving planet, society, enterprise and innovate for a better

world.

For more information:

Ezena Reyneke, Brand and Communications Lead: Sasol ecoFT

Email: Ezena.reyneke@sasol.com

Mobile: (+27) 82 776 0855

SOURCE: Sasol ecoFT