Molecular Aviation

Molecular’s management team has been evaluating alternative major energy projects to place the Group at the forefront of the ongoing energy revolution utilising its assets and knowhow. Molecular’s focus has included sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), being synthetic kerosene. SAF is the most impactful initiative with regard to reducing carbon emissions in the hard to abate aviation industry (McKinsey 2023). Many of the world’s leading airlines have committed to using SAF for up to 30% of their total jet fuel by 2030. SAF can be produced through the interaction of hydrogen and carbon-based products such as, but not limited to, biomass.

Due to the current high costs involved, SAF is currently significantly more expensive than fossil fuel derived product. Molecular considers that it may be in an advantageous position with access to economic feedstock and offtake, capitalising on its presence in South America, all sourced from its know-how, network of contacts and related companies. Accordingly, Molecular is commencing feasibility planning for the industrial scale production of SAF. The Company has incorporated Molecular Aviation Limited as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Molecular’s work is at a preliminary stage but it has already signed several non-disclosure agreements with potential stakeholders and relevant partners with whom it enjoys established relationships. Aecom, the international engineering and infrastructure company with a turnover of over US$13 billion in 2022 has been appointed Owners Engineer for the potential project. Aecom is also the Owners Engineer of Molecular’s sister company, Atome PLC, for its industrial scale green hydrogen to green fertiliser project in Paraguay.