
Houston, United States – ABB has entered into a strategic agreement with Cap Clean Energy to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at sites across the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Announced on March 21, 2024, this collaboration aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of biofuel facilities through the implementation of ABB’s state-of-the-art automation, electrification, and digital solutions.
The agreement includes exploring the use of ABB’s ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system and eHouse modular substation solutions to optimize operations at Cap Clean Energy’s biofuel facilities. These sites will produce ultra-low carbon SAF from cereal crop by-products, a feedstock that does not compete with food sources. Additionally, the facilities will incorporate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to further reduce CO2 emissions.
The aviation industry is under significant pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicating that SAF could contribute around 65 percent of the emissions reductions needed to achieve net-zero by 2050. Despite the promising growth in SAF production, which doubled to over 600 million liters in 2023, the industry must scale up production rapidly to meet future demand.
“The potential for SAF has never been greater, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to supporting a low-carbon future with innovative clean technology,” said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries.
“We are proud to collaborate with Cap Clean Energy and realize our joint vision of driving scale on sustainable fuels as part of the energy transition,” said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries. “The potential for SAF has never been greater, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to supporting a low-carbon future with innovative clean technology.”
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Tracking Clean Energy Progress 2023 report, aviation accounts for two percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Currently, SAF represents less than 0.1 percent of all aviation fuels consumed. To increase this to 10 percent by 2030, substantial investment in production capacity and supportive policies are essential.
Steve Polvi, CEO of Cap Clean Energy, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with ABB, which has a long history of delivering integrated automation, electrical and digital technology that drives operational efficiency. Together, we will work on enabling the production and delivery of SAF and RD into strategic North American markets, supporting society with more sustainable energy and allowing the aviation industry to achieve its net zero goals.”
Cap Clean Energy’s facilities are designed as modular systems capable of rapid production scale-up, facilitating long-term expansion across a network of integrated bio-refineries. ABB’s Process Automation business, with its extensive expertise and innovative solutions, will play a crucial role in this transformative initiative.