The SAF Podcast

This week Mihir Dange from XCF Global Capital and Wray Thorn from Focus Impact Partners join Oscar on The SAF Podcast to discuss their recent merger and expecting public offering later this year.

 Mihir's storied past, shaping programmes for yellow taxi medallion drivers to his latest venture into sustainable aviation fuel with XCF, intersects with Wray's fervent support for socially progressive companies through Focus Impact Partners. 

The discussion meanders from how Mihir and Wray first connected to what their daily working relationship look like now as they work towards listing later in the year. We also delve into XCF's business model and how they can be so confident of their aggressive growth plan with their modular approach and four facilities being developed. We look at the importance of long term supply certainty and the other factors that are critical for receiving investment.

Make sure you stay tuned to the end to find out what advice they would both give to investors looking to invest in the SAF industry and producers looking for investment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from both a producer and an investor about the fulcra on which production and investment decisions hinge.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out our recent discussion with the Renewable Transport Fuel Association looking at the policy landscape in the UK and the role Revenue Certainty Mechanisms have to play: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14826429-the-saf-podcast-supporting-production-through-revenue-certainty-mechanisms.mp3?download=true

Host & Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

This week on The SAF Podcast, Gaynor Hartnell and Tom Reid from the Renewable Transport Fuel Association (RTFA) discuss the UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy landscape with Oscar Henderson. They bring to the table a wealth of knowledge, leading us through the intricate world of renewable fuel revenue certainty mechanisms. With imminent announcement on the UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate, these two experts dissect how these policies are critical to fuel supply and market dynamics.

We dive into how revenue certainty mechanisms work, the importance of providing stability without infringing on natural market dynamics and how Contracts for Difference (CFDs) in the renewable energy markets have set the platform for long standing certainty and longevity when CFDs are enacted in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel sector.

As the industry stands on the precipice of significant government decisions, our guests unravel the complexities of the SAF market, examining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. They break down the urgency of transitional support, emphasizing the need for adaptable and forward-thinking policies.

This is a fascinating conversation with two long standing industry experts, so if you enjoyed this conversation. We are going to be having Gaynor and Tom back on the Podcast when the UK government have have made their policy announcement, breaking down all the details and getting some great insight how domestic SAF production can be accelerated. 

So make sure you keep and eye out for the follow up episode coming soon.

If you like this episode, you should try our discussion with Natasha Mann, Future Energy Global here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14508344

Host & Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

On this week's episode of The SAF Podcast, we are going to share a full discussion that occurred at SAF Investor London looking into "Finding Project Finance". Al Whyte, moderated a panel including; Wray Thorn, Focus Impact Partners, Andrew Eckhardt, Cranmore Partners, James Falzon, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Martin Forman, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Kevin Bogenreif, Summit Next Gen, all share their thoughts on the challenges of financing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects. 

Our experts delve into the critical aspects of price discovery, feedstock costs, and the necessity for robust commercial structures. With technology as a cornerstone in SAF production and regulatory frameworks steering the market, we highlight how these factors shape investor interest and confidence in green initiatives.

Finally, we explore the landscape of financing emerging technologies and the strategies to navigate this terrain. From small commercial plants acting as stepping stones to full-scale ventures, we examine how credit officers gain confidence in new tech and the critical role of government support programs. Our panel reflects on the exciting opportunities and potential roadblocks, emphasizing that well-structured projects with predictable revenue streams are the keys to unlocking funding and driving sustainable projects to fruition. 

Hope for all those not able to come to London you enjoy this fantastic discussion. 

Moderator: Alasdair Whyte, SAF Investor
Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

This week on The SAF Podcast, Oscar is delighted to be joined by Oliver Booth from Sightline Climate. The conversation reveals the layers of complexity in defining climate tech and exploring the nature of the climate capital stack, and how it relates to Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The episode begins with Oliver giving a great summary of the findings of their 2023 end of year report for private investments and what this means for SAF producers trying to find investment. As the discussion continues , we draw critical connections between the past clean tech boom and today's investor discernment, which now favours high-impact and sensibly-valued companies. Plus, Oliver spotlights the unique strategies and partnerships crucial to scaling renewable hydrogen production—a key component in the quest for eco-friendly skies.

Our discussion takes a global turn as we evaluate energy market trends from Asia's HEFA advancements to Africa's potential for technological leaps, similar to its rapid adoption of mobile technology. Oliver's expertise provides a hopeful outlook for the resilience of private investments in green tech, despite market unpredictability. By the end of our conversation, it's clear: the fusion of financial acumen and environmental responsibility is the roadmap for fuelling a sustainable future in the skies and beyond.

You can find the Sightline Climate End of Year report here: https://www.ctvc.co/32bn-and-30-drop-as-market-hits-pause-in-2023/

If you enjoyed this discussion, check out our previous episode with Jim Lockheed, JetBlue Ventures here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14019163

Host: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor 

In this episode the SAF Investor team of Alasdair Whyte, Fayaz Hussain and Oscar Henderson give you a quick round up and review of last week's first SAF Investor London conference.

A diverse gathering of producers, investors, customers and many other companies integral to the industry's development gathered to discuss the major issues the industry faces in scaling production.

We discuss our highlight moments from the conference, key takeaways that we have, our favourite discussions as well as what surprised us. This is a great snapshot of what happened over the two days as the industry continues to strive to activate capital to scale production. We also go over the first SAF Investor Awards, which were given to companies making ground breaking and industry leading investments and deals pushing SAF development on.

You can find the session videos from the conference on our website. https://www.safinvestor.com/144526/saf-investor-london-2024-presentations/

It is safe to say SAF Investor London will be back next year...maybe sooner than that, so watch this space.

If you would like to feature on an upcoming episode of the podcast, we would love to hear from you, reach out to [email protected]

Hosts: Alasdair Whyte, Fayaz Hussain and Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor
Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

This episode Oscar sits down with Wendy Owens of Hexas Biomass. Wendy, a trailblazer with a captivating career journey, unveils the potential of Xanograss and the Xanofiber it creates which can be used for sustainable construction and as a biofuel feedstock. Her insights offer a flight path into how non-food, second-generation bioenergy crops could revolutionise the SAF supply chain and fulfill the soaring global energy demands.

Wendy articulates the significance of maximising every part of the Xanograss to enhance cost efficiency in SAF production, exploring Wendy's mantra of 'using the whole buffalo' in biomass optimisation. Our conversation navigates through the strategic partnerships Hexas is cultivating with growers, ensuring their profitability and the sustainability of local economies. We spotlight the local nature of biomass production, ensuring that the Xanograss doesn't roam far from home—preferably within 60 miles of its utilisation, encompassing partnerships spanning the U.S. and Europe.

We then address the rewilded lands and the burgeoning bioeconomy Xanograss can help sustain. Wendy shares her vision for regenerating lands degraded by exploitation, where the cultivation of bioenergy crops can reinvigorate ecosystems and revitalise the local economies of Southeast Asia and northern Africa. By rewilding marginalised spaces and creating localized SAF production hubs, we spotlight a future where environmental restoration aligns seamlessly with economic growth and global energy transition.

If you enjoyed this episode, why not try our discussion with Natasha Mann, Future Energy Global: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14508344

SAF Investor London

This conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.

Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.

You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/

Host & Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

With SAF being the only current solution to decarbonising air travel on existing aircraft, should the owners of around half the global fleet, the aircraft lessors, be putting more skin in the game?

This is a large component to this week's episode where Al spoke to Natasha Mann, CEO, Future Energy Global.

Natasha launched Future Energy Global in early 2024, but she has a long history in the aviation after experience with Fairchild Dornier and Airbus as well as her time in aircraft leasing at GECAS.

Now Natasha is focusing on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry by creating  a pre-purchasing system which aims to simultaneously reduce the cost of capital for the producer, increase airline access to SAF and make aircraft lessor portfolios more green inline with the aggressive ESG requirements of their underlying Institutional Investors.

Natasha gives a great explanation as to why lessors should be more involved in the SAF space and how Future Energy Global plans to bring capital in to SAF production whilst also lowering the cost of SAF for the consumer.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous discussion with Nicole Sautter, American Express Global Business Travel: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14463484

SAF Investor London

This conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.

Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.

You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/

Host: Al Whyte, SAF Investor
Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

This latest episode of The SAF Podcast Oscar is joined by Nicole Sautter, Director of Global Sustainability, American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT).

Corporate customers have a strong role to play in signalling ongoing demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We discuss why AMEX GBT got involved in SAF. They have also been integral in setting up the blockchain backed book and claim system, Avelia, to help both grow the access to SAF and ensure it is sourced and claimed accurately. This has been set up alongside investment into United Airline Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund to help the development of new refining technologies.

We discuss all this and whether Nicole thinks business/corporate travellers or mandates are more important to developing the future of SAF than mandates.

Nicole is very optimistic about the future role of SAF in Business travel and this conversation highlights how AMEX GBT are really leading the way in making business travel sustainable.

If you enjoy this episode check out our other discussion with Austin Willis, Willis Lease Finance Corporation here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14367471

SAF Investor London

This conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.

Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.

You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/

Host: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

This week Al sat down with Austin Willis, CEO, Willis Lease Finance Corporation to discuss their diversification into Sustainable Aviation Fuel production. The conversation unpacks the transformative journey of Willis Lease, from its roots leasing engines to a broad-spectrum powerhouse, and shines a spotlight on their pioneering endeavour to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Teesside, UK. With a blueprint for a greener horizon, Willis Lease is charting a course for 2026, aiming to power the skies with synthetic fuels.

This episode is  a realistic look at the hurdles and headwinds the aviation industry faces as we transition into sustainable practices. Austin Willis gives us a technician's tour into the intricate world of Power-to-Liquid technology, the cornerstone of their sustainable fuel vision. He shares the environmental and economic challenges, from feedstock scarcity to investment complexities, offering an inside look at the mechanisms of de-risking such ventures. It's a conversation that goes beyond combustion engines and into financial engines that will drive or delay the advent of low-carbon flight.

Austin is optimistic as we discuss the forthcoming construction of the SAF plant and the broader mission of Willis Sustainable Fuels, illuminating the role they play in the global effort to decarbonize aviation.

If you enjoyed this episode, catch our previous discussion with Jean Paquin and how SAF+ International Group are approaching their e-fuel production facility in Montreal, Canada: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/13512160

SAF Investor London

This conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.

Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.

You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/

Host: Al Whyte, SAF Investor
Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor

 On this episode of The SAF Podcast we shake the format up as Al is joined by Mukul Hariharan, United Airlines Ventures and Robert Birdsey, Green Front Energy. If you've ever pondered the financial gears that turn behind the scenes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects, look no further.

Tackling the intricacies of renewable fuel supply chains and the hurdles of scaling up from small-scale to large-scale projects, our guests offer a pragmatic lens through which to view the renewable energy sector. They share the need for strategic planning and flexibility to cater to diverse markets, and they dissect the evolving relationship between project financiers and the dynamic renewable fuels market. 

The conversation then pivots to the nuanced art of renewable energy procurement for corporates, underscoring the balance between policy, market certainty, and technology de-risking. Their insights paint a vivid picture of the patience and strategic thinking needed to navigate the current policy and market conditions impacting renewable fuel infrastructure financing.

Our episode wraps with sage advice for those making their foray into the renewable energy industry. For tech companies, it's about staying grounded in scientific rigor and capital efficiency. For project developers, the key lies in starting with proven concepts and integrating newer technologies as they mature. 

If you enjoyed this conversation catch our previous episode with Jim Lockheed, JetBlue Ventures: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14019163

SAF Investor London

This conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.

Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.

You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/

Host: Al Whyte, SAF Investor
Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor