Jet refuelling operations on the tarmac (Image source: Adobe Stock)
JGC Corporation has signed an agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to explore cooperation in the roll-out of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Africa
SAF is a term for any jet fuel made from renewable sources – like plant oils, waste materials, and even captured carbon – designed to reduce the environmental impact of air travel.
The two parties signed a Letter of Intent at a recent business event in Yokohama to expand collaboration in an area still in its infancy across Africa.
It establishes a framework for cooperation to jointly promote development, information and knowledge sharing, and to explore co-financing opportunities for SAF and other green aviation solutions in Africa.
JGC Corporation will conduct demand studies for SAF in African markets, perform technical feasibility assessments, evaluate deployment opportunities tailored to local resources and infrastructure, and harness and facilitate Japanese technology adoption to Africa in this regard.
The Japanese engineering giant is already a leading player in what is expected to be a fast-evolving strand in the air transport industry in the coming years.
“By leveraging our experience in plant engineering and sustainable energy, we aim to contribute to Africa’s decarbonisation efforts while fostering local economic growth and innovation,” said Shoji Yamada, JGC Corporation’s president.
The production and adoption of SAF in Africa is consistent with the AfDB’s sustainable transport and mobility and energy transition strategy, said Solomon Quaynor, the bank’s vice-president for private sector, infrastructure and industrialisation.
On its side the AfDB will facilitate coordination and dialogue with public sector aviation stakeholders, identify potential project pipelines, and explore possible financing options, including feasibility study support and promoting global partnerships around the concept in Africa, as well as debt and equity financing.
“Adopting sustainable aviation fuel in Africa is a crucial component of the journey to cutting the continent’s carbon dioxide emissions,” said Quaynor.
“Moreover, it should boost the competitiveness of the sector over time. This partnership with JGC will help unlock new opportunities for green aviation and position Africa as a pacesetter in the sector.”
Since the 1980s, the JGC Group has accumulated a wealth of project experience in Africa, providing engineering services including EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) for numerous refineries, among other facilities.
It has also been a key player in the development of some the continent’s major liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects, successfully completing onshoreLNG plants in Nigeria and Egypt, as well as an offshore LNG plant in Mozambique.
In addition, it is currently providing basic design services for the Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique and conducting early work for another undisclosed offshore LNG plant in Africa.
In a statement, the company added, “JGC Group will continue to contribute to the realisation of a decarbonised society through aviation fuel, in line with its long-term management vision, ‘Vision 2040’ and its medium-term management plan, ‘BSP2025’ in cooperation with the AfDB.”
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