Delta: huge order for ‘green’ hydrogen-derived SAF

Delta Air Lines has placed the largest ever order for a specific ‘green’, hydrogen-derived SAF. The airline is to buy 385 million gallons of SAF that is made by combining cellulosic biomass and renewable H2, using the so-called Fischer-Tropsch method. The order is a major step forward for producers looking to make green biofuels with renewable H2.

Fuel for the deal will be made using a versionof the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process, which chemically pairs carbon monoxide and hydrogen to produce synthetic hydrocarbons. Recharge News reports that this ‘green’ SAF is to be produced in a plant in Louisiana with first SAF production in the second half of 2026.

This specific process utilises a carbon monoxide-heavy syngas made by processing cellulosic biomass – organic material such as plant or tree waste – at high temperatures and without oxygen to produce carbon monoxide and other gases, water and tar, and a small amount of hydrogen. By tweaking gasification, the plant can optimise its SAF output by a factor of almost four, with 97% of the carbon from the biomass ending up in the fuel.