IHI Succeeds In Synthesizing SAF From CO₂

IHI has successfully synthesized Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from CO_₂ and hydrogen in its ongoing efforts to develop a novel SAF technology pathway. The synthesized sample demonstrated favorable properties as SAF in an evaluation at Washington State University^(*1), a globally recognized authority on aviation fuel assessment.

Since 2022, IHI has collaborated with the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE^²)^(*2), a research institute under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), to develop a technology which directly synthesizes SAF precursor hydrocarbons from CO₂ and hydrogen. Laboratory tests to date have confirmed world-class catalytic performance.

In September 2025, IHI began trial of liquid hydrocarbons synthesis from CO_₂ and hydrogen in IHI’s test unit^(*3) in ISCE2 campus. IHI has explored its potential by upgrading the liquid hydrocarbons to jet fuel-range products. The sample properties were evaluated at Washington State University, a renowned institution recognized by ASTM International for prescreening, testing, and evaluation of alternative aviation fuels. The results confirmed that IHI’s sample exhibited excellent fuel properties.

“IHI’s new candidate jet fuel sample met or exceeded all the testing characteristics we look for in early SAF candidates,” said Dr. Joshua Heyne, Director of the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory at Washington State University. “Specifically, hydrocarbon composition and cold flow properties such as viscosity were all favorable.”

The results represent an important first step toward ASTM qualification^(*4) for the commercialization of this novel synthesis method, which directly converts CO_₂ and hydrogen into hydrocarbons.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set a long-term goal to achieve net-zero CO_₂ emissions from aircraft by 2050, and it is expected that much of the petroleum-based aviation fuels will be replaced by SAF.

IHI aims to advance the development of efficient and stable SAF production technologies for the early establishment of economically viable and environmentally friendly carbon-neutral aviation.

^(*1)Washington State University
Washington State University is a leading public research university based in the state of Washington, USA. Funded by organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the university conducts prescreening tests and evaluations of new aviation fuel candidates prior to ASTM qualification.

^(*2) A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (A*STAR ISCE^²)
A*STAR has established a research institute to support Singapore’s sustainability goals. Known as the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²), the institute advances R&D in areas such as low-carbon technologies, carbon life cycle assessment, sustainable materials and green manufacturing processes using the latest digitalization and automation tools. See https://www.a-star.edu.sg/isce2/about-us for detail.

^(*3) IHI’s direct synthesis test unit deployed in ISCE2 campus

^(*4)ASTM Qualification
For commercial deployment of SAF, the fuel must meet the standard ASTM D7566, the specification for synthetic aviation turbine fuels, regulated by ASTM International.