The road to FID: How technology, partnerships and policy will deliver industrial-scale SAF
29 September 2025
As aviation works to cut emissions by up to 80% with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the challenge is no longer whether SAF is viable, but whether we can deploy it quickly and at scale.
That’s the focus of our new article, “The Road to FID: Delivering Bankable SAF Projects at Commercial Scale”, to be published in Project Finance International magazine.
From pilot to bankable: a US case study
DG Fuels' proposed facility in Louisiana, powered by Johnson Matthey's FT CANS™ and HyCOgen™ technologies, represents one of the most ambitious SAF projects to date. Designed to convert one million dry tonnes of biomass per year into 13,000 barrels per day of SAF, it’s a template for industrial-scale decarbonisation.
Our technologies offer:
- Feedstock flexibility, enabling the use of local agricultural residues
- Integrated efficiency, from syngas production to FT synthesis
- Eligibility for e-SAF, unlocking high-value export markets
But technology alone isn't enough. Reaching FID requires a robust policy framework and strategic public-private partnerships.
Forming the SAF technology alliance
In response to these challenges, Johnson Matthey has co-launched the SAF Technology Alliance, bringing together:
- Honeywell (process integration)
- GIDARA Energy (feedstock and gasification)
- Samsung Engineering (project delivery)
- Johnson Matthey (FT and syngas technologies)
This alliance aims to scale SAF deployment by supporting clients with a turnkey, bankable solution: from feedstock to offtake, design to execution.
A global blueprint
Following on from its site in Louisiana, DG Fuels’ upcoming facilities in Nebraska and Minnesota further reinforce the blueprint: combine flexible engineering, regional feedstock, emissions control and stakeholder engagement to create viable SAF hubs.
As explored in our PFI article, key lessons include:
- Select proven, scalable technology early
- Engage governments to unlock blended finance tools
- Build partnerships that can adapt to evolving markets and regulation
At Johnson Matthey, we believe in technology that drives transformation - and partnerships that get projects over the line.
