Axens, a global provider of advanced technologies for the energy transition, has announced the licensing of its Vegan technology to three international companies on January 8: Galp, LOKEN, and SAFCO Venture Holdings Ltd. This move signifies a major step forward in the global adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel production.

Galp, a Portuguese multinational energy corporation, LOKEN, a Malaysian energy player developing a groundbreaking renewable complex in Southeast Asia, and SAFCO Ventures, in Pakistan, will each implement Axens’ Vegan solution to establish their respective hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and SAF production facilities. These projects aim to significantly reduce their carbon footprint and accelerate the transition from conventional fossil fuels to renewable alternatives.

Axens will provide comprehensive support for these projects, including technology licenses, catalysts, proprietary equipment, training programs, and ongoing technical services. This holistic approach ensures the successful implementation and operation of the Vegan technology at each site.

The Vegan technology is based on the Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, a proven method for producing SAF and HVO from sustainable feedstocks like vegetable oils and waste fats. This pathway is recognized for its ability to produce high-quality drop-in fuels that can be used in existing aircraft and diesel engines without requiring modifications.

Axens has a long history of innovation in biofuels. The company pioneered the first-generation biodiesel market in the 1990s with its Esterfip technologies, which were recognized with the prestigious Kirkpatrick Award for Chemical Engineering Achievement in 2007. The Vegan technology, developed by IFP Energies nouvelles in the mid-2000s, builds upon this legacy of innovation. After eight years of successful operation of its first commercial reference plant, Axens’ Vegan is now a globally recognized and commercially viable technology.

The announcement of these three new licenses underscores the growing demand for SAF and renewable diesel as the aviation and transportation sectors strive to meet ambitious decarbonization targets. The HEFA pathway, powered by Axens’ Vegan technology, offers a readily available and scalable solution for producing these crucial sustainable fuels. Axens also announced that three more Vegan units are expected to commence operations in the coming months, further demonstrating the technology’s momentum in the global market. This expansion signals a significant shift towards a more sustainable future for transportation.

Axens Group is a global leader in providing advanced technologies and solutions for the energy transition. Their comprehensive offerings span cleaner fuel production (including SAF and renewable diesel), petrochemicals, plastics recycling, natural gas treatment, water treatment, and carbon capture. Axens provides technologies, equipment, catalysts, and services, supporting projects from conception to operation with a focus on high performance and reduced environmental impact.