Building Capacity, Scaling Catalysts: PtJ visits Sasol Research and Technology for CARE-O-SENE discussions 

Sasol’s Research & Technology (R&T) facilities in Sasolburg recently welcomed guests from Projektträger Jülich (PtJ), Germany.

Ms Kerstin Annassi, Head of Department for Energy Systems, and Ms Kathrin Oberle, Business Economist, visited as part of their engagement with the CARE-O-SENE project — a flagship initiative advancing catalyst technologies for sustainable aviation fuels.

During their visit, Ms Annassi and Ms Oberle met with members of the R&T Executive Committee and the CARE-O-SENE project team. The discussions highlighted Sasol R&T’s pivotal role in the project, particularly in catalyst development and scale-up. The visit underscored the program’s broader impact: fostering international collaboration, accelerating scientific exchange, and strengthening the catalysis community.

A key moment was the interaction with young Sasol scientists, who shared their experiences in the mentorship and exchange programs facilitated by CARE-O-SENE. These initiatives are helping to build a new generation of experts in sustainable fuel technologies.

Ms Annassi also presented PtJ’s ongoing work in Africa, with a strong emphasis on capacity building and knowledge transfer-aligning closely with CARE-O-SENE’s goals.

The visit concluded with a tour of Sasol’s analytical laboratories, world-class catalyst manufacturing and Fischer-Tropsch testing facilities, where “Catalyst 1”, a best-in-class innovation — has been successfully scaled to semi-commercial levels, producing over 80% jet fuel yield.

Following their Sasolburg stop, Ms Annassi and Ms Oberle will continue on to Windhoek to attend ICERA 2025, where Ms Annassi will deliver the opening remarks and Sasol’s Robert Burton will give a presentation on “Catalysis for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Fischer-Tropsch Pathways”, showcasing the recent work being done in CARE-O-SENE. Thema „Katalyse für nachhaltige Flugkraftstoffe: Fischer-Tropsch-Verfahren” halten wird, in dem er die jüngsten Arbeiten von CARE-O-SENE vorstellen wird.