Phelan Green Hydrogen Licenses Johnson Matthey Technology for $2.8B South African eSAF Production Hub

July 5, 2026

GreenAir News 南アフリカ

Overview

Phelan Green Hydrogen has licensed Johnson Matthey’s advanced Fischer-Tropsch technology for a planned $2.8 billion (ZAR 47 billion) eSAF facility in South Africa’s Western Cape. Slated for construction by late 2026, the plant aims to produce 35,000 tons (35 million liters) of eSAF annually from green hydrogen and captured CO2, primarily for EU/UK markets. This landmark project positions South Africa as a key player in global clean aviation fuel production, significantly accelerating decarbonization efforts on the African continent.

In Depth

Background

The global aviation industry faces immense pressure to decarbonize, driving a rapidly escalating demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Among these, eSAF (synthetic sustainable aviation fuel), derived entirely from renewable sources, stands out as one of the most promising and environmentally sound options for long-term climate targets. The Phelan Green Hydrogen project, an ambitious undertaking with an estimated total investment of ZAR 47 billion (approximately $2.8 billion), aims to leverage South Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources—particularly solar and wind—to significantly contribute to the global SAF supply chain and the broader energy transition.

Key Findings

Phelan Green Hydrogen has successfully secured a crucial technology license from Johnson Matthey (JM) for its groundbreaking eSAF facility in South Africa’s Western Cape. This strategic collaboration is poised to establish South Africa as a significant hub for large-scale, clean aviation fuel production.

The core of the eSAF manufacturing process will leverage Johnson Matthey’s advanced Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalysis and reactor technology. This proven solution will efficiently convert green hydrogen, derived from renewable energy sources, and captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-quality synthetic aviation fuel, addressing a critical need for sustainable feedstock conversion.

Construction of the facility is projected to commence by the end of 2026, with an ambitious target of achieving commercial production of approximately 35,000 tons (equivalent to about 35 million liters) of eSAF annually. This output is primarily earmarked for the stringent decarbonization requirements of the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) markets, offering a vital supply diversification.

Beyond its technical implementation, this monumental project holds profound strategic significance. It will not only bolster South Africa’s nascent clean energy industry but also play a pivotal role in global aviation’s decarbonization journey. The substantial investment and scale of this endeavor are expected to catalyze local employment and foster significant economic growth, firmly establishing South Africa’s credentials as an emerging renewable energy powerhouse while contributing directly to international airlines’ SAF utilization targets.

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