The SAF Podcast

SAF Investor

The SAF Podcast is the only podcast on the internet that exclusively covers sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). So if you want to find out the real issues and challenges are for commercialising and scaling SAF production, look no further.

Every week we will be hearing from senior industry leaders who are actively shaping the future of SAF and aviation.

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The SAF Podcast with Daniel Bloch, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
17-11-2023
The SAF Podcast with Daniel Bloch, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
On the latest episode of The SAF Podcast, our editor Fayaz chats with Daniel Bloch, a SAF specialist from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).Daniel is here to connect the dots between the crucial role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in achieving these targets and how his role at IATA aligns with the ambitious net-zero 2050 aspirations. In a world where the climate crisis needs immediate attention, understanding the regulatory landscape and the progress towards net-zero targets is paramount. Daniel walks us through the complexities of these long-term goals, highlighting the importance of distilling them into manageable targets and timelines. With Daniel, we dissect how the choice of feedstock in SAF production can dramatically impact commercial dynamics, sustainability criteria, and carbon reduction numbers. We also project into the future, examining SAF production estimates for the next decade and the pivotal role of policy in spurring the transition towards sustainable aviation fuel. It's not just about today; it's about laying the groundwork for optimising carbon abatement and scaling up the SAF supply beyond 2030. Don't miss this opportunity to gain critical insights into the future of sustainable aviation!You can find out more about IATA here: https://www.iata.org/If you enjoyed this, check out our recent discussion with John May, Hamilton Clark here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/13335688SAF Investor LondonThis conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Fayaz Hussain, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Daniel Bloch, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
17-11-2023
The SAF Podcast with Daniel Bloch, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
On the latest episode of The SAF Podcast, our editor Fayaz chats with Daniel Bloch, a SAF specialist from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).Daniel is here to connect the dots between the crucial role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in achieving these targets and how his role at IATA aligns with the ambitious net-zero 2050 aspirations. In a world where the climate crisis needs immediate attention, understanding the regulatory landscape and the progress towards net-zero targets is paramount. Daniel walks us through the complexities of these long-term goals, highlighting the importance of distilling them into manageable targets and timelines. With Daniel, we dissect how the choice of feedstock in SAF production can dramatically impact commercial dynamics, sustainability criteria, and carbon reduction numbers. We also project into the future, examining SAF production estimates for the next decade and the pivotal role of policy in spurring the transition towards sustainable aviation fuel. It's not just about today; it's about laying the groundwork for optimising carbon abatement and scaling up the SAF supply beyond 2030. Don't miss this opportunity to gain critical insights into the future of sustainable aviation!You can find out more about IATA here: https://www.iata.org/If you enjoyed this, check out our recent discussion with John May, Hamilton Clark here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/13335688SAF Investor LondonThis conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Fayaz Hussain, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Andreea Moyes, Air bp
13-11-2023
The SAF Podcast with Andreea Moyes, Air bp
Who knew that a career in retail could lead you to combatting climate change? We're joined by Andreea Moyes, Global Head of Sustainability at Air bp, who shares how she's now spearheading the charge towards sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Listen in as she shares the industry's perspective on Co-Processing, eFuels, power to liquid technology, why Air bp has not signed any offtake agreements yet and how important strategic partnerships and policy clarity are in scaling up SAF.Are we ready for a cleaner, greener future of aviation? Andrea gives us an insight into the complexities of SAF production and use, helping us understand how corporate partnerships and favourable policies can make SAF more affordable and accessible. She also discusses the potential of HEFA, alcohol-to-jet, for the future of SAF, the significance of goal posts and roadmaps in this endeavour, and her frustrations in the workplace. The future is here, and it's time to buckle up as we journey towards net-zero goals by 2050.Find out more about Air bp here: https://www.bp.com/en/global/air-bp/aviation-fuel/sustainable-aviation-fuel.htmlFind out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London on the 27th-28th February here: https://www.safinvestor.com/If you like this episode, catch our recent discussion with Chris Brown, KPMG Ireland, on the realistic chance SAF has on making its targets, here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/13376452Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Jonathan Pardoe, Star Alliance
08-11-2023
The SAF Podcast with Jonathan Pardoe, Star Alliance
This week we pivot back to the airline and customer side of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with Jonathan Pardoe, Fuel Specialist with Star Alliance, the oldest global airline alliance starting back in 1997. Jonathan has a wealth of experience and knowledge about the fuelling challenges for airlines.Topics discussed include:00.48 - Background and how SAF adoption affects airline operations06.25 - What can airlines do to mitigate the supply and demand imbalance to meet 2030 emissions targets.10.42 - The biggest challenges for airlines accessing SAF15.33 - the steps to narrowing the Jet A1 and SAF prices.21.50 - Do customers have to foot the bill for SAF?28.00 - The role of Asia in SAF supply.32.10 - The market mis-match between the US and Europe and the Asian and Gulf markets.36.40 - Could increased operating costs due to SAF put pressure on the small carriers?41.10 - Can airlines streamline operations to mitigate increased SAF costs.Make sure you catch this conversation about some of the most intriguing challenges that airlines face in the quest to decarbonise operations. SAF can only be the decarbonisation solution everyone believes it can be if the economics behind it don't put excessive strain on operating costs. Find out more about Star Alliance here: https://www.staralliance.com/en/homeFind out more about SAF Investor here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Fayaz Hussain, SAF investorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Gene Gebolys, World Energy
02-11-2023
The SAF Podcast with Gene Gebolys, World Energy
The SAF Podcast had the pleasure of speaking to one of the 'Grandfathers' of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry, the president and CEO of World Energy, Gene Gebolys. World Energy was the world's first producer of SAF and has been leading the industry in the renewable fuel space for 25 years. It has set the ambitious challenge of producing 1 billion gallons of SAF by 2050. Al and Gene have a fantastic discussion from the origins of World Energy to the importance of the book and claim system to truly unleash the economic power of SAF. Gene highlights that integrity on the buy side of the market is critical, and that the industry only has one chance to get this right. Some topics discussed in the episode:00.52 - The origins of World Energy09.35 - Book and Claim - decoupling the SAF service form the SAF molecule13.40 - The deals with Microsoft and DHL15.10 - The importance of getting it right21.10 - The EU and Book and Claim24.40 - Biodiesel for ground transport and shifting to SAF production28.00 - A commercialisation business not a technology business31.20 - Where does the capital come from39.06 - Keeping the drive on attacking the status quoThis is an amazing conversation and really highlights the SAF industry's need for efficiency if it is to achieve all of its targets.  Find out more about World Energy here: https://www.worldenergy.net/Find out more about SAF investor, including our conference in London. 27th-28th February 2024., here: https://www.safinvestor.com/If you like this episode, catch our recent discussion with Matteo Mirolo, Transport and Environment, where he gives a an equally interesting discussion on the requirement for Book and Claim integrity, from a European perspective. Watch here.Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Steven Fance, Cultiv8 Hemp Solutions
25-10-2023
The SAF Podcast with Steven Fance, Cultiv8 Hemp Solutions
The SAF Podcast turns back to producers this week with Steven Fance , CEO and CTO, Cultiv8 Hemp Solutions, who has a great conversation with SAF Investor editor, Fayaz Hussain. Hemp is already being used across various industries from textile, construction and the automotive industry and have a great potential to play a key role in global decarbonisation efforts.  Culti8 Hemp Solutions are using it as a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstock and for Direct Air Capture (DAC) as Hemp bricks. They currently have a small scale project in Lake Charles, Louisiana and are confident that Hemp is a "superior feedstock" to other biomass solutions. Some of the things discussed in this episode include:01.00 - Steven's background and founding Cultiv8 Hemp Solutions.05.00 - Operations and technological readiness of Cultiv807.03 - How much SAF demand can hemp fulfil?12.00 - Where is the Hemp grown for production14.07 - How much will SAF made from Hemp cost?16.20 - Modular refinery approach18.20 - The benefits of a virtual powerplant21.15 - Planned expansion into EuropeIt is exciting to see where SAF produced from Hemp can go and its potential to add another string the the SAF bow as production pathways and commercialisation develop. Find out more about Cultiv8 Hemp Solutions here.Found out more about SAF Investor here.Host: Fayaz Hussain, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Jonathon Counsell, International Airlines Group (IAG)
18-10-2023
The SAF Podcast with Jonathon Counsell, International Airlines Group (IAG)
In our latest episode of The SAF Podcast Al sits down with Jonathon Counsell, group head of sustainability, International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus. Jonathon is one of the longest serving airline sustainability heads globally and he shares his thoughts on the role airlines play in signalling demand to investors and how he is firm in the belief that everything (pathways and feedstocks) is needed to meet SAF demand. Some of the topics discussed are: 1:03 How Jonathon ended up at IAG5:24 Sustainability was a lonely place to be post the financial crisis7:10 Will the environment be taken off the agenda again?11:00 How is the SAF industry of 2002 different to today?16:46 Are agreements securing supply or helping projects get off the ground?19:40 IAG SAF investments to date23:50 Fuel buyers watching margins versus SAF prices26:40 Price tapping mechanisms28:40 Dealing with politicians34:00 Confidence in meeting IAG SAF targets35:30 Hitting 2050 targets: In sector versus out of sector37:00 Do customers care about SAF?This is a great episode showing what leading global airlines are doing to meet their sustainability obligations and why Jonathon thinks this is a very rewarding sector and would recommend it to anyone.You can find out more about IAG here.Find out more about SAF Investor here.If you like this episode catch our previous episode with Patrick Edmond, Altair Advisory here.Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Pablo Fexer, 360 Jet Fuel
06-10-2023
The SAF Podcast with Pablo Fexer, 360 Jet Fuel
This weeks The SAF Podcast episode sees Al sit down with Pablo Fexer, Managing Director, 360 Jet Fuel.Pablo has a really interesting background, first encountering Sustainable Aviation Fuel during his time at OMV. Now at 360 Jet Fuel he advises business jet operators and airlines on SAF, including a couple of airline equity investments. Pablo discusses many critical issues including:1.20 - Background to 360 Jet Fuel5.50 - What do offtake agreements look like?11.20 - Will there be a cost of carbon?15.20 - Why do some producers give 100% of a project's production to one airline?17.40 - Will SAF be commoditised?22.00 - Are smaller and regional airlines at risk of being marginalised from supply?25.00 - What questions should investors ask about offtake agreements28.05 - Would  SAF Futures help stabilise market costs?32.00 - Advice to producers trying to find an offtake agreement33.00 - Are agreements outstripping demand?If you would like to find out more about 360 Jet Fuel you can here: https://www.360jetfuel.com/Find out more about SAF Investor and the SAF Investor London conference here: https://www.safinvestor.com/If you enjoyed this episode catch our previous discussion with Patrick Edmond, Altair Advisory here.Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Sarah Ellerby, Nova Pangaea Technologies
05-10-2023
The SAF Podcast with Sarah Ellerby, Nova Pangaea Technologies
Sarah Ellerby, CEO, Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT) is the latest guest to sit down with Al on The SAF Podcast. Nova Pangaea Technologies are a UK based company looking whose patented REFNOVA technology can create fantastic added value to almost all waste plant biomass, including the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  Currently, Nova Pangaea Technologies is currently most notably working on project Speedbird, in the UK, with British Airways and Alcohol-to-Jet refinery technology company, Lanzajet, which is scheduled to come online in 2026. British Airway's parent company, International Airline Group (IAG) also invested in NPT in June 2023. This is a fantastic discussion where Sarah outlines what NPT's expansion strategy could look like beyond project Speedbird, and which global markets they will look to target. Another critical point of discussion is the challenge of procuring project finance and investment when you are based outside of the US and how this slows down projects in the less regulatory mature markets around the world, as well as so many other critical discussion points.  You can also find out what Sarah did when the IAG investment was confirmed. This is a fantastic episode and very interesting to hear about the SAF market progress outside of the major US and European markets. If you like this episode check out our other episode with Sylvain Verdier, Topsoe here.You can find out more about Nova Pangaea Technologies here. Find out more about SAF Investor and the upcoming SAF Investor London conference on the 27th-28th February 2024 here.Host - Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer - Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with John Hannon, Vertimass
20-09-2023
The SAF Podcast with John Hannon, Vertimass
In our latest episode of the SAF Podcast Alasdair has a brilliant discussion with John Hannon, COO, Vertimass. Vertimass are a US based biofuel company that produces Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from ethanol using their Vertimass Catalyst Technology. This process does not require external Hydrogen and can produce SAF with low capital costs and operating costs. They also can co-locate their facilities with existing ethanol production facilities, which can further reduce production costs. John discusses the benefits of Vertimass technology in efficiently producing SAF, the importance of techno-economic analyses to the scalability of technology to production as well as discussing their ongoing series C funding round. Find out more about Vertimass here: https://www.vertimass.com/Find out more about SAF Investor here: https://www.safinvestor.com/If you like this episode you should check out our episode with Jimmy Samartzis, Lanzajet, to find out more about the Alchol-to-jet production pathway. Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Jean Paquin, SAF+
06-09-2023
The SAF Podcast with Jean Paquin, SAF+
The latest episode of the The SAF Podcast had Jean Paquin, CEO, SAF+ have a passionate discussion with Alasdair about the potential of e-fuels for sustainable aviation. SAF+ is a Montreal based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producer using the Power-to-Liquid process to synthesise SAF from CO2 and hydrogen. SAF+ is part of the The Skies the Limit Challenge started by the Canadian government to set up a pilot plant the demonstrate the production of SAF. Montreal is a great place for an e-SAF facility due to the large availability of hydro-electric renewable power that can be utilised in the production process, one of the key challenges to PtL SAF production. They have a considerable number of offtake agreements already in place, most notably the agreement with the Air France Group penned in August 2023.Jean and Alasdair discuss where the first SAF+ refinery could be located, the importance of a portfolio approach to stakeholders to ensure that SAF+ has access to the most recent and important industry development and expertise. They also discuss whether Jean wants to be first and the challenges and opportunities that this creates. You are unlikely to find someone more animated and passionate about the potential the SAF holds in aiding the progress of sustainable aviation.You can find out more about SAF+ here: https://safplusconsortium.com/You can find out more about SAF Investor here: https://www.safinvestor.com/ Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Jimmy Samartzis, LanzaJet
23-08-2023
The SAF Podcast with Jimmy Samartzis, LanzaJet
In the latest episode of the SAF Podcast Alasdair sits down with Jimmy Samartzis, CEO, LanzaJet. LanzaJet was spun out of LanzaTech in 2020 and are the industry leaders when it comes to Alcohol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel production pathway. With their Freedom Pines facility in Georgia scheduled for commercial production later in 2023 and other projects in New Zealand, Australia, India and the UK (Project Speedbird and Project Dragon) currently being explored. Jimmy discusses their Freedom Pines facility and how it is running on schedule and budget (a remarkable feat considering the recent level of inflation), the importance of the right shareholders to help in project development and capital frameworks and why everyone in the SAF industry needs to speed up to produce more SAF. If you want to find out more about LanzaJet you can here: https://www.lanzajet.com/You can find out more about SAF Investor here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Matteo Mirolo, Transport & Environment
16-08-2023
The SAF Podcast with Matteo Mirolo, Transport & Environment
Matteo Mirolo, Aviation Policy Manager, Transport & Environment was the most recent guest on The SAF Podcast. T&E are a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Brussels that stretches across Europe,  working to make all transport across the continent more sustainable. Matteo's main focus is on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), mainly, e-fuels and mitigating the non-CO2 effects of flying. In this podcast Matteo discusses the potential issues of the darker underbelly of the SAF industry with used cooking oil fraud, something that Matteo says occurs on a daily basis. He also highlights the pitfalls of what he calls 'crypto SAF' which could come to prominence with ever increasing complication of book-and-claim systems. This is a fantastic episode really highlighting how the SAF industry can look at achieving the clarity and transparency needed to attract the investment that is sorely needed. Find out more about Transport & Environment here: https://www.transportenvironment.org/Find out more about SAF Investor, as well as other podcast episodes here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Chris Brown, KPMG
09-08-2023
The SAF Podcast with Chris Brown, KPMG
For the latest episode of The SAF Podcast, Al sat down with Chris Brown, Partner, Aviation Strategy & Global Chair, Future of Flight, KPMG. Chris has over 15 years' worth of experience across growth and decarbonisation strategies in aviation. What makes Chris a really interesting guest is that he is gives one of the more sceptical perspectives on whether Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply will be at a sufficient scale to meet 2050 targets. Chris and Al discuss a variety of topics including some of KPMG's forecasts, why he is most bullish on power-to-liquid and eSAF as opposed to waste biomass or alcohol-to-jet methods, and how Carbon Capture and offsetting could play a considerable role in the quest for decarbonisation. You can find out more about Chris here: https://kpmg.com/ie/en/home/contacts/b/christopher-brown.htmlFind out more about SAF Investor here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with John May, Hamilton Clark
02-08-2023
The SAF Podcast with John May, Hamilton Clark
This week, The SAF Podcast, had the pleasure of speaking to John May, Managing Director, Hamilton Clark. John is one of, if not the, leading project financier for SAF projects in the world having worked with industry leaders such as: Fulcrum BioEnergy, Gevo, LanzaJet and Fulcrum BioEnergy, among many others. John is also known for popularising Technology Risk Insurance in SAF project finance, which led to him being the first banker to receive the CAAFI award in 2019. He is the Magellan of SAF Project Finance!Al and John discuss the challenges in finding the right investors, what sort of investors technology start ups or project licensees should be looking for as well as a deep dive into what exactly technology risk insurance is, and how it works. John gives a tour de force in SAF financing and this is definitely not an episode to miss. You can find out more about John's career to date here: https://www.hamiltonclark.com/team/john-m-may/Find out more about SAF Investor here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Sylvain Verdier, Haldor Topsoe
14-07-2023
The SAF Podcast with Sylvain Verdier, Haldor Topsoe
In our latest episode Alasdair sits down with a biofuel podcasting rockstar in Sylvain Verdier, Senior Marketing Manager, Corporate Strategy, Topsoe. Topsoe is a chemical technology company with a long history focusing in producing clean transportation fuels. Topsoe has entered into technology partnerships across the globe with HIF Global, Phillips 66, SkyNRG, SGP BioEnergy, Global Clean Energy, Brasil Biofuels and Nacero. They have also entered into a joint venture with Sasol to begin refining Sustainable Aviation Fuel themselves, which Sylvain discusses in this episode.Sylvain and Al also discuss a wide range of issues including Lego bricks, the issues of getting approval and what needs to happen to ensure we meet 2050 emissions targets. For more on SAF visit: www.safinvestor.comIf you would like to find out more about Topsoe visit: https://www.topsoe.com/sustainable-aviation-fuel You can check out Sylvain's Fuel for Thought podcast, which has season Five coming out soon here: https://renewables.topsoe.com/podcastHost - Alasdair Whyte, SAF Investor Producer - Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Kennedy Ricci, 4AIR
03-07-2023
The SAF Podcast with Kennedy Ricci, 4AIR
In our latest episode Alasdair has a discussion with Kennedy Ricci, President 4AIR. Founded in late 2020 after the Covid Pandemic, 4AIR aims to simplify meeting aviation sustainability regulations with offerings varying from volunteer programs, regulatory compliance offerings and the SAF Inventory management and has a strong focus in the business aviation market. Kennedy and Al talk about the importance of traceability and transparency of feedstock sources and production, how offsets and SAF need to create a full sustainability picture as well as how SAF works alongside the development of electric and hydrogen aircraft. For more visit: https://wwhttps://www.safinvestor.com/If you would like to find out about 4AIR visit: https://www.4air.aero/Host: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast with Patrick Edmond, Altair Advisory
16-06-2023
The SAF Podcast with Patrick Edmond, Altair Advisory
This week Alasdair sits down with Patrick Edmond, Managing Director, Altair Advisory, to discuss why Ireland ticks all the boxes to be a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) hub.  Altair consults across the aviation sector on matters of airline strategy and sustainability. Patrick and Al discuss what is holding back large scale production ramp up, SAF production, what investors want to see to mitigate investment risk, the importance of clear regulations and tells us which pathway he would choose to invest in.For more visit: www.safinvestor.com/If you would like to find out more about Altair Advisory visit: www.altair.ieHost: Alasdair Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
The SAF Podcast: Tim Obitts, Alder
09-06-2023
The SAF Podcast: Tim Obitts, Alder
This week Alasdair sits down with Tim Obitts, Acting CEO and Chief Legal Officer, Alder Fuels on their plan to make Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from wood waste and other biomass.  Alder's investors include Honeywell UOP, United Airlines Ventures, Directional Aviation and Avfuel among others. Tim and Al discuss regulatory issues, the economics of SAF, the role that Big Oil has to play and the million dollar question of capital requirements.For more on SAF visit: www.safinvestor.com If you would like to find out more about Alder Fuels visit https://www.alderfuels.com/.Host - Alasdair Whyte, SAF Investor Producer - Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor