SGP BioEnergy picks Honeywell DCS for sustainable jet fuel refinery

Honeywell reported Mar. 30 that SGP BioEnergy will implement Honeywell’s Experion system technology at its Golden City Biorefinery in Colón, Panama, to build a sustainable aviation fuel refinery. As one of SGP’s key automation contractors, Honeywell will deploy Experion as the plant’s distributed control system (DCS) and safety system, and implement Experion Industrial Security systems for its integrated telecommunications.

Construction of the SGP Biorefinery in Colón is expected to begin in 2025. Once fully operational, the biorefinery is expected to produce 180,000 barrels per day of advanced biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and 405,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually, according to SGP. The plant’s will help to meet the growing global demand for SAF. The International Air Transport Association projected that the aviation industry will require an estimated 23 billion gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030 and 449 billion gallons by 2050 to meet the decarbonizing demands of the aviation sector.

“Our team has a longstanding relationship with Honeywell, and its world-class technology, global leadership in refinery operations, and commitment to helping to drive global energy transition made our decision simple,” says Randy Delbert Letang, CEO at SGP BioEnergy. “Our project in Panama demonstrates that countries don’t have to choose between sustainability and economic growth. It’s possible to achieve both at the same time.”

Jose Fernandes, VP at Honeywell Performance and Materials Technologies, Latin America, adds that, “The collaboration between Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy will help ensure that the Golden City Biorefinery project sets a high standard for renewable fuel production and advanced operations globally. The project underscores Honeywell's commitment to providing customers with world-class advanced technology solutions that help operate the advanced biorefinery systems of the future.”