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OXCCU to launch first SAF Plant, converting CO2 and H2 to jet fuel: British sustainable fuels startup OXCCU — backed by oil giant Saudi Aramco — has opened its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demonstration plant, with operations set to begin at Oxford Airport next month, Business Green reports. The plant — called OX1 — will produce 1 kg of liquid fuel daily by converting CO2 and H2 directly into hydrocarbons for a new SAF called Oxefuel. Data from OX1 will inform the design of a larger plant, OX2, expected to produce 160 kg of fuel daily.
A one-stop-shop for SAF production: The startup’s Oxefuel is made directly from electrified CO2 through a one-step process that creates a circular economy for aviation fuel, according to the company website. The startup does this through a “novel, robust iron-based catalyst and process” that can convert CO2 and green H2 from water into fuels. The new technology can reduce SAF costs by cutting capital costs by 50% while producing fewer byproducts.
The regional connection: Aramco’s venture subsidiary Aramco Ventures participated in OXCCU’s funding round led by Clean Energy Ventures last year. OXCCU raised USD 22 mn to accelerate its efforts to commercialize its method of converting hydrogen and CO2 into SAF and other green fuels. Aramco’s share of the total investment secured by OXCCU was not disclosed.
Saudi is working on producing SAF: Oil giant Aramco is set to develop two SAF demonstration projects in Neom by 2025, one of which will be developed in partnership with Repsol.
About OXCCU: OXCCU, a company created by the University of Oxford, develops catalysts and reactor designs to efficiently convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons for use in fuels, chemicals, and plastics. The company is based in the UK, with operations at Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, and London Oxford Airport.
