The SAF Podcast: Gidara Energy - SAF Technology For Your Eyes Only

Ever wondered what MI6 was evaluating after World War II that could help solve our aviation climate crisis today? The answer lies in a century-old technology that's experiencing a remarkable revival.

Peter-Paul Langerak of Gidara Energy joins us this week to take us through the evolution of High Temperature Winkler (HTW) gasification technology – from its 1920s origins through its refinement during WWII to its commercial deployment in the 1990s producing biomethanol from waste. Now owned by Gidara Energy, this technology offers a proven solution for converting municipal waste, biomass, and agricultural residues into clean syngas that can become sustainable aviation fuel.

What sets this approach apart is its commercial readiness. While much attention focuses on early-stage technologies, HTW gasification has already operated at scale, processing 500-1,000 tons of waste daily into valuable products. This sweet spot balances economic viability with practical feedstock logistics – smaller plants struggle financially while larger ones face insurmountable waste collection challenges.

Peter-Paul discusses the challenges of scaling projects, particularly feedstock logistics, permitting, and financing, and highlights how Gidara works with project developers and investors to bring projects from concept to final investment decision (FID).

The conversation shifts to Gidara's strategic pivot toward technology licensing, driven by urgent market demand for alternative SAF pathways as HVO/HEFA production approaches feedstock limitations by 2030. This urgency catalyzed the formation of the SAF Technology Alliance – a groundbreaking partnership between Gidara Energy, Samsung E&A, Johnson Matthey, and UOP Honeywell offering integrated, turnkey solutions from waste to wing.

Listen to the end to find out what Peter-Paul considers to be the biggest industry misconceptions when it comes to SAF technology licensing. 

Ready to connect with the innovators and investors making sustainable aviation a reality? Join us September 23rd in New York for an exclusive industry gathering where you'll meet the people and technologies driving us toward our 2050 targets. Find out more here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0mv63z0