South Africa’s Sasol launches renewable diesel pilot

South Africa

CAPE TOWN, February 5, 2025 – South African energy and chemicals company Sasol has entered into a joint development agreement with mining companies Anglo American and De Beers to pilot the production of feedstock for renewable diesel, Sasol announced on Tuesday.

The companies will assess the technical and commercial viability of producing feedstock from plantations of Moringa and Solaris crops grown on more than 20 hectares of land provided by De Beers in Blouberg, Marble Hall and a closed mine site in Voorspoed.

“Renewable diesel meets the technical standards of conventional diesel and our customers can use it as a ‘drop-in’ fuel in their equipment and machinery to meet their greenhouse gas reduction commitments. Partnering with Anglo American, we’re investigating the development of a local and cost-effective supply chain for sustainable feedstock, utilising vegetable oil,” said Sarushen Pillay, executive vice-president of Sasol’s Business Building, Strategy and Technology portfolio.

Sasol’s existing assets can take a variety of feedstocks and produce renewable diesel from vegetable oil quicker than greenfield projects and at lower costs. South Africa does not produce renewable diesel at a commercial scale, and the companies see potential in the development of alternative fuels to meet growing demand for decarbonisation solutions.