Jiaao Enprotech's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project Successfully Begins Production with Honeywell's Support for Aviation's Low-Carbon Transition
Recently, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel project of Jiaao Enprotech's subsidiary, Lianyungang Jiaao New Energy Co., Ltd., successfully commenced production in the Lianyungang Guanyun Port Industrial Zone. The project utilizes Honeywell UOP's Ecofining™ process technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and is equipped with Honeywell's Experion® PKS control system for advanced automation. The first batch of products has met the required industry standards.
Meeting the Rising Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
With increasing global demand for SAF, driven by the aviation industry's carbon reduction goals and government policies promoting green energy, Honeywell continues to lead the SAF market. As one of the pioneers in SAF technology development and commercialization, Honeywell leverages its deep expertise and continuous innovation to accelerate the aviation sector's low-carbon transition.
Honeywell's Ecofining™ Process
The Honeywell UOP Ecofining™ process enables the production of high-quality fuels from various waste oils and fats. Its simple design, short startup time, and high capital efficiency allow the fuel to be used as a direct replacement for petroleum-based diesel and jet fuel without requiring engine modifications.
Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) Process
Honeywell's ETJ technology converts ethanol from corn, cellulose, or sugar-based sources into cost-effective, low-carbon aviation fuel using high-performance catalysts and advanced thermal management. This SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50–80%.*
*GHG reduction data is based on an LCA analysis conducted by Michigan Technological University under the guidance of Dr. David Shonnard.
UOP eFining™ Process
Honeywell UOP's eFining™ technology produces eSAF (electronic sustainable aviation fuel) from eMethanol, which is derived from green hydrogen and CO₂. Compared to conventional jet fuel, the UOP eFining™ process can reduce GHG emissions by 88%.* This fuel can be blended with conventional jet fuel and serves as a direct replacement without requiring modifications to aircraft engines or fuel systems.
*GHG reduction data is based on UOP carbon intensity analysis derived from third-party studies on biomass utilization.
High Return on Investment with Lower Costs
For large refineries, cost reduction and efficiency improvements are key to maintaining competitiveness, and the Ecofining™ process is no exception. Jiaao Enprotech has not only adopted Honeywell UOP's process technology and key equipment but has also integrated Honeywell's Experion® PKS control system, Operator Training Simulator (OTS), and Embedded Advanced Control (EPC) via the Experion® Profit® Controller.
OTS System for Operator Training
The high-fidelity OTS system helps train operators before startup, ensuring smooth operation, reducing errors, and enhancing overall plant efficiency.
EPC for Precision Control
The embedded advanced control system accurately regulates reactor bed temperatures, reducing fluctuations by over 30% (based on previous APC experience). This optimizes hydrogen consumption, increases the yield of high-value products like SAF, and extends the lifespan of platinum catalysts by minimizing temperature hotspots. Integrated into the existing C300 controller, EPC also reduces investment costs and simplifies maintenance.
With this successful production launch, Jiaao Enprotech and Honeywell are jointly contributing to the sustainable transformation of the aviation industry.
