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From left to right: Dr Ng Wai Kiong, Executive Director, A*STAR ISCE², Prof Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive, Science and Engineering Research Council, A*STAR, Prof Yeo Yee Chia, Deputy Chief Executive, Innovation & Enterprise, A*STAR, Dr Nobuhiko Kubota, Managing Executive Officer, IHI Corporation, Mr Hiroki Kobayashi, CEO IHI Asia Pacific and Dr Yoshiaki Matsuzawa, Deputy General Manager, Corporate R&D, IHI Corporation.

SINGAPORE, 27 January 2025 – IHI Corporation, in collaboration with the òòò½Íø, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has launched a transformative new process for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by enabling carbon dioxide and hydrogen to be directly converted into liquid hydrocarbons.

One of the world’s largest bench-scale production test rigs for the latest technology was also unveiled at Jurong Island, marking a significant milestone in decarbonising aviation and advancing global sustainability goals.

Revolutionising SAF Production with Innovative Technology
An innovative alternative to traditional jet fuel, SAF offers significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional SAF production typically involves feedstocks such as waste cooking oil, agricultural residues, or biomass that undergo various chemical and biological processes to create aviation-compatible hydrocarbons.

The new technology leverages a catalyst that allows liquid hydrocarbons to be directly produced by converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This one-step process developed by IHI and A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (A*STAR ISCE²) offers greater production speed and energy efficiency while reducing operational complexity.

Unveiling the Test Rig’s Capabilities
One of the world’s largest test rigs for this technology, with a production capacity of 5 kilogrammes per day, was also unveiled. The test rig has the capacity to convert 100 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide into 5 kilogrammes of hydrocarbons per day. The input is equivalent to the emissions of an average car travelling over 500 kilometres and is a significant advancement in carbon capture and utilisation technology.

The test rig evaluates and optimises the process of converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons under various conditions, including temperature, pressure and catalyst performance. These insights are critical to maximising the yield and quality of the fuel produced, allowing the technology to be scaled for commercial applications.

òòò½Íøas a Strategic Hub for Innovation
òòò½Íøhas been strategically chosen as the test site due to the longstanding IHI-A*STAR research collaboration and its status as a global aviation hub. In 2024, IHI and A*STAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the commercialisation of SAF synthesis technology, including scaling up SAF production plants, expediting the regulatory approval process, and exploring partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.

This initiative also supports Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 by advancing low-carbon solutions critical to meeting the nation’s climate targets. It aligns with international aviation industry goals to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a leader in sustainable energy innovation.

Dr Nobuhiko Kubota, Managing Executive Officer of IHI Corporation, said, “At IHI, we recognise the urgent need to decarbonise aviation, and this project demonstrates our dedication to developing next-generation sustainable fuels. By bringing this test rig to Singapore, we are not only advancing technological frontiers but also contributing to the global effort to achieve net-zero emissions in aviation.”

“The launch of this test rig is a testament to our shared vision of driving decarbonisation through innovation,” said Dr Ng Wai Kiong, Executive Director at A*STAR ISCE2. “By enabling a direct, energy-efficient pathway from carbon dioxide to sustainable aviation fuel, we are proud to contribute to advancing low-carbon technologies that support Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and global climate goals.”

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About IHI Corporation:
IHI Corporation is a major comprehensive heavy-industry manufacturer of Japan, tracing its roots to Japan’s first modern shipbuilding facility established in 1853. It has expanded its business ever since, in recent years providing wide-ranging solutions in the four main areas of Resource, Energy and Environment; Social Infrastructure and Offshore Facilities; Industrial Systems and General-purpose Machinery; and Aero Engine, Space and Defence. For more information, please visit .

About the òòò½Íø, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The òòò½Íø, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.