Sasol Climate Change Report 2022 - Book - Page 28
INTRODUCTION
RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
OUR FUTURE SASOL STRATEGY
GOVERNANCE
DATA AND ASSURANCE
DECARBONISING OUR OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Progressing our emission-reduction roadmaps (continued)
REDUCE, TRANSFORM and SHIFT
Sasol is intensifying its research and technology efforts to support our climate change response. In using our proprietary
technology to transition the business, a strong focus on research and technology best-practice application is required.
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (R&T)
In May 2022, Sasol developed an updated
technology strategy and R&T structure.
This was supported by an increase in research
funding of ~15%, with a dedicated focus on
developing and deploying future sustainable
technologies. Our R&T function is researching
and delivering various innovative solutions,
such as boiler turndown and the development
of a fine coal solution.
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COAL BRIQUETTING TECHNOLOGY
In support of boiler turndown and addressing excess fine
coal, an innovative fine coal briquetting technology is the
most promising. This technology has been co-developed by
Sasol’s R&T function and a third-party technology provider.
The briquetting process allows for better utilisation of fine
coal by gasifying the briquettes for conversion into highervalue products rather than using it as a fuel source.
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1. Commercial unit-prepared briquettes.
2. Loading coal and briquettes in the pipe reactor test. Briquettes visibly stood out from coarse coal.
3. Briquettes retained shape after gasification test.
4. Chars remained intact after thermal tests.
BIOSLUDGE AS A CARBON SOURCE
Sasol is also assessing other sustainable feedstocks for
utilisation in Secunda and Sasolburg. An example includes
the re-routing of biosludge from Sasol’s biological water
treatment plants to gasification, where a portion of the
carbon is reconverted into usable products. This novel
solution was developed and trialled on a single gasifier
and has the potential to enable the shutdown of existing
biosludge incinerators, with associated positive GHG and
air emission benefits. Research has also been initiated with
local universities to explore the use of other by-products
and plastics for use as a circular feedstock for gasification.
Combined with our technological expertise in gasification
and carbon conversion, we are positioning for greater input
into South Africa’s shift towards circular products.
PRODUCING SUSTAINABLE FUELS AND CHEMICALS
RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS
Sasol’s low-temperature FT technology is primed to produce
SAF and other sustainable chemicals. Innovative catalysts and
reactor design and risk-managed capital allocation enables
us to transition our existing plants from coal or natural gas
feedstocks, to green hydrogen and CO2, to produce sustainable
fuels and chemical products. Ongoing development of our FT
technology and proprietary G4 catalyst will allow Sasol to be an
industry leader in the deployment of this technology. Our CareO-Sene research partnership is testament to the importance of
advancing this research (see page 29). Partnerships with other
global technology providers will enable us through Sasol ecoFT
to offer a complete PtX technology solution to prospective
licensees and JV projects.
Sasol is actively pursuing various research collaborations with
local and international organisations and academia to develop
technologies to support our targets. Together with the National
Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa, we have recently
awarded research grants (totalling R54 million over four years)
on sustainability-related research, including in the field of green
hydrogen, renewable energy, energy storage and CO2 utilisation.
Through the NRF, we will also be supporting two research chairs
on Green Hydrogen and Energy and Power Systems Integration.
In addition, R&T has established a partnership with South
Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to develop
and progress projects and infrastructure that support future
technology areas and the Future Sasol strategy.
SASOL CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT 2022 27
