Latest news with #Sasol
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
How Africa can achieve cleaner transportation by tackling fuel quality challenges
Sasol's Secunda plant. South Africa, which once had six operational refineries but now relies on three, with fuel importation required to meet its local demand. Image: Supplied Africa has never been better positioned to take its rightful place in the top forums of the world. Across the continent, from North to South and East to West, African economies are showing higher projected future growth rates than in the past. Major cities across Africa have already shown steady growth: both in economy and in size. As these cities grow, the demand for transport grows with it. Today these cities are teeming with all modes of transportation, from buses and trucks down to small passenger cars and motorcycles. Pollution challenges The result of decades of used-vehicle imports combined with sub-standard fuels is that these major African cities face significant air pollution challenges. The congestion in African cities and fast-growing urban settlements is already subjecting the average commuter to extreme levels of air pollution, and with that, the associated negative effects on human health. What is required, now more than ever before, is a continent-wide switch to cleaner transportation. For Africa to succeed in this endeavour, all African countries will need to work as one. Across the globe, major economies in North America, Europe and Asia have made step-changes in regulating transportation emissions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The author, Martina Biene, is chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa and President of the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers. Image: Supplied Europe leading emissions charge Over the past three decades, Europe has gradually tightened tailpipe emissions and introduced mandatory vehicle technology that monitors emissions equipment, all in order to provide a cleaner environment for its citizens. European emissions regulations history covers six stages from the first Euro 1 which was instituted in 1992, followed by Euro 2 in 1996. Euro 3 in 2000 was replaced by Euro 4 in 2005 and then replaced with Euro 5 in 2009 with today's Euro 6 having been implemented in 2017. Europe now awaits Euro 7 in 2030. With these step changes through the stages the harmful emissions limits were reduced, emissions diagnostic equipment was made mandatory, and the required lifespan of the equipment was increased. In some stages new limits were introduced, such as particle mass and particle number. The result: cleaner air for a cleaner environment. Lack of enforcement While Africa is guided by these European regulations, it lags in its implementation and enforcement. One may ask, but why have African states not implemented existing transport emissions regulations if they already exist? The answer lies in the continent's fuel quality. With each stage of emissions regulations, from stage 1 to stage 6, there has also been a step change in the mandatory fuel quality in order to enable the vehicle to meet the lower emissions targets. Cleaner fuels combined with updated vehicle technology has brought about these reduced transport emissions. However, these step changes have been lagging in most African states. The result is that new and used imported vehicles from Europe, Japan and North America have been negatively impacted upon by incorrect fuel quality, rendering their emissions equipment ineffective. In some cases this has led to post-sale modification of emissions systems, such as the removal of the catalytic converters or the deactivation of engine sensor hardware. Today's Euro 6 emissions technology cannot operate on the available fuel quality in much of Africa. Cleaner fuels will not harm older vehicle technology. In fact, cleaner fuels will reduce particulate emissions, reduce engine wear and burn cleaner compared to today's poor quality fuels, says the author. Image: David Ritchie African dumping ground Through the Public Eye report of 2016, Africa became known as the dumping ground for 'dirty diesel'. A closer look into the in-market fuel survey data showed that in 2022, Africa had 11 petrol grades across the continent, with sulphur levels ranging from 10 to 10,000 parts per million (ppm), and 12 diesel grades, from 10 to 3,500ppm. By way of comparison, in order to comply with Euro 2 regulations, sulphur levels must not exceed 500ppm, and for Euro 5 it is limited to 10ppm. Sulphur reduces the efficiency of catalytic converters and also adversely affects heated oxygen gas sensors. As sulphur occurs naturally in crude oil, its removal during the refining process is necessary. Fuel survey data has also revealed the use of metallic additives to boost octane levels in petrol. Additives that contain lead, manganese or iron are strictly limited or banned in Europe as the resultant metallic oxides block or poison the catalytic converters, deposit themselves onto key engine and emissions equipment (such as spark plugs, oxygen sensors and particle filters) and in the case for lead, its adverse health effects are well-documented. Automotive fuels are more than just their sulphur levels and metallic content. They are designed to be 'fit-for-purpose' and each one of its 30-40 properties need to be strictly controlled in order to bring about the environmental benefits that modern vehicle emissions can provide. From octane levels in petrol to cetane levels in diesel, from density to the distillation curve, each one of the specification limits provide for a mandatory fuel quality for harmonious engine use and trouble-free emissions equipment which in turn realises a reduced impact of vehicle emissions on the environment. Regional and historical challenges The quest for clean fuels is beset by regional differences and historical legacies, much like the story of Africa itself. Change can only happen with the right legislative environment, reinforced by proper regulatory enforcement, which may range from the testing of imported fuel products when they land in the country to re-testing again when they are sold to customers at service stations. Import specifications need to be specific and aligned with technology requirements. For refineries these legislative standards must also apply. Cleaner fuels will not harm older vehicle technology. In fact, cleaner fuels will reduce particulate emissions, reduce engine wear and burn cleaner compared to today's poor quality fuels. Reduced breakdowns will lead to reduced maintenance costs and will have a positive impact on economic growth. Getting there is neither simple nor straightforward, but these benefits have not gone unnoticed in some parts of Africa. Committed East Africa, on the whole, has made a commitment to creating both the legislative and the regulatory environment needed to introduce clean fuels. These countries are no longer dependent upon local refineries which leads to cleaner fuels importation directly from the producers themselves, whether they be in the Gulf or in Asia, who have agreed to supply a higher quality and more refined fuel to the region. The East African Community, led by Kenya looks to leapfrog to Euro 4 and perhaps beyond to Euro 6 emissions standards, with agreements already signed by Kenya and Uganda to make 50ppm sulphur fuels mandatory, with a further reduction to 10ppm under discussion. South Africa has deferred 'Clean Fuels 2' (the next generation of fuel quality) by at least 10 years and aims for Euro 5 emissions standards in 2027. Until then it remains at Euro 2. Image: Ayanda Ndamane Local fuel import South Africa, which once had six operational refineries but now relies on three, with fuel importation required to meet its local demand, is still on its own long walk to clean fuel freedom. South Africa has deferred 'Clean Fuels 2' (the next generation of fuel quality) by at least 10 years and aims for Euro 5 emissions standards in 2027. Until then it remains at Euro 2. West Africa is a different situation altogether. There are markets that are significant exporters of crude oil to the rest of the world. There are also working refineries in the region. The refineries, while operational, are old. It will take considerable resources in terms of time and budget to convert them to refine clean fuels that will safeguard the environment. Will to change As in most African issues, it comes down to affordability and short-term economics. There is the will to change, especially in Ivory Coast and Ghana, but in some countries like Senegal, it is left to private public partnerships to resolve the issue. Africa also has the option to explore ethanol-based additives. Ethanol additives help the environment as they contain oxygen, which increases octane and reduces harmful emissions. Ethanol manufacture will create jobs, but not all regions have agricultural sectors that could produce the required levels for automotive blending. However, if a country is a major agricultural producer there is a great opportunity to convert the green waste into ethanol to boost octane, as is happening in Zimbabwe and is now being planned for Uganda. Understanding The good news is that there is a universal realisation in African countries of the compelling need to move together to clean fuels and there is a comprehensive understanding of how the opportunities that will be unlocked outweigh the considerable challenges that still exist. What the African continent needs is a timeline setting milestones to ensure that the journey to this destination is coherent, just and equitable, ensuring that no country gets left behind. The clock is ticking as the world moves relentlessly towards clean mobility, transitioning beyond fossil fuels to new energy technologies such as hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles. If the continent does not change, Africa faces the very real prospect of being saddled with a catastrophically compromised transport system. Volkswagen is committed to doing whatever we can to ensure that this does not happen, indeed we are helping lead Africa's change to ensure it achieves its potential and not squander it. * Martina Biene is chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa and President of the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Investment in ESG is irresponsible
By taking punitive action against what they condemn as carbon polluters like Sasol, the ESG disciples push up the cost of living and exacerbate impoverishment, says the writer. It is saddening to note that the Coronation Fund Managers Stewardship Activities Report (Business Report, May 29) uncritically embraces the false globalist ideology of ESG (environmental, social, governance). Proudly, the Coronation Fund Managers declare that they 'assess and advocate for improvements in their climate change strategies.' Clearly, despite Coronation's research capacity, they have wittingly or unwittingly allowed themselves to be shepherded by the controlled sirens of pliant science and the mass media in believing that human activity can influence climate change. Uncorrupted science and history have proved that warming periods occurred in millennia before fossil fuels were being widely used as they are today. Uncorrupted science has also shown that temperature changes occur as a result of the inconsistency of the Earth's elliptical path around the sun and the slight variations that occur in the Earth's tilt. So, ignoring true science and history is inexcusable. But what is worse is the agenda of the climate change globalists. It requires investing in the hugely expensive green deal – lithium-powered vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. It ignores the vast environmental damage the extraction of lithium causes and the unreliability of wind turbines, with their terrible toll on bird life. By taking punitive action against what they condemn as carbon polluters like Sasol, the ESG disciples push up the cost of living and exacerbate impoverishment. Of course, if they studied the science and history of carbon dioxide, they would note that although it comprises less than one percent of the atmosphere, it is vitally important for plant and vegetation growth. The section of the Stewardship Report that reveals double standards is Coronation's focus on the potential oil and gas bonanza off the Namibian coast. Despite their green commitment, the temptation of lucrative investment in fossil fuel exploitation is enticing. Although the Stewardship Report does not address the social aspect of ESG, it is important to note that it relates to DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion. One wonders how that aligns with Coronation's commitment to 'responsible investment,' especially when it is evident that the principle of merit is overlooked in the implementation of DEI policy. Given the Trump Administration's recognition of the globalists' green deal for the scam it is, in keeping with their commitment to responsible investment, Coronation's Fund Managers ought to be ditching ESG and focusing on the massive fossil fuel exploitation that is about to take off in the US. Investment in ESG is irresponsible. DR Duncan Du Bois Durban
Business Insider
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Africa's richest country has about half of its oil-refining capacity shut
Roughly 49% of South Africa's refining capacity remains idle. Over the past five years, South Africa's refining capacity has been cut in half due to a combination of accidents and underinvestment. Nearly half of South Africa's refining capacity is currently idle. Domestic refining has declined due to accidents and underinvestment, halving capacity over five years. Imports now fulfill over 60% of the nation's fuel demand, projected at 15.5 million tons in 2025. Roughly 49% of South Africa's refining capacity remains idle. Over the past five years, South Africa's refining capacity has been cut in half due to a combination of accidents and underinvestment. As a result, the country now relies on imports to meet over 60% of its fuel demand, according to Transnet SOC Ltd., the state-owned logistics firm. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, South Africa imported 4.2 million tons of refined petroleum products, according to energy consultancy CITAC. For the full year, imports are projected to reach around 15.5 million tons, nearly double Kenya's estimated 8.9 million tons and significantly more than Nigeria's 6.4 million tons. Oil refineries shut This import is needed because a bunch of South Africa's main refineries have been down, per a Bloomberg report. Sapref, the country's largest refinery, owned by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), is shut, taking 180,000 barrels per day out of production. Engen's plant, which pumps out 120,000 barrels daily and is now owned by Vitol, is also shut. Meanwhile, Sasol's Natref facility, with a daily output of 108,000 barrels, is down due to an outage. Plus, PetroSA's gas-to-liquid plant, also run by the CEF, has stopped working, taking another 45,000 barrels a day out of the picture. Currently, only two refineries remain operational, Sasol's Secunda plant, which produces 150,000 barrels per day from coal and gas, and Glencore's Astron refinery, which contributes 100,000 barrels per day. Combined, these account for less than half of the country's former refining capacity. In a bid to rebuild domestic refining, the South African government last year acquired the shuttered Sapref facility from Shell Plc and BP Plc. With local production constrained, the country is increasingly turning to global fuel traders to meet demand.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asia-Pacific White Oil Market Report 2024-2025 & 2034: Adoption in the Automotive Sector, Expanding Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Industry, & Rising Plastic Production Driving Growth
The white oil market is rapidly evolving as demand grows across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and industrial applications. Known for its high purity and refined quality, white oil is critical for manufacturing products like lotions, ointments, lubricants, and plasticizers. Rising concerns over product safety and formulation quality have led manufacturers to adopt advanced refining techniques, ensuring that white oil meets stringent quality and regulatory standards. Asia-Pacific White Oil Market Dublin, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific White Oil Market: Focus on Application, Functionality, Grade, Products, and Country Level Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2034" report has been added to Asia-Pacific white oil market is projected to reach $4.30 billion by 2034 from $2.13 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.29% during the forecast period 2024-2034. New developments have resulted in food and pharmaceutical-grade versions that adhere to stringent quality requirements. Important companies like Sasol, Sonneborn LLC, and ExxonMobil still provide non-toxic, safe ingredients. Additionally, APAC businesses are moving towards eco-friendly production as a result of rising consumer awareness of sustainability. All things considered, the market is changing due to both changing consumer preferences and technology advancements. Recent technological innovations have resulted in the production of specialized white oil variants, including pharmaceutical- and food-grade products, that align with evolving market requirements. Major industry players are investing in research and development to enhance product performance while embracing eco-friendly manufacturing practices. This shift toward sustainability is driven by both regulatory pressures and a growing consumer preference for environmentally responsible the APAC white oil market continues to mature, ongoing advancements in technology and shifting consumer needs are reshaping the competitive landscape. These dynamics are opening up new opportunities for market growth and innovation, positioning the region as a key hub for high-quality white oil production and application. How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader understand the different types of products available in APAC Region. Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the white oil market by products based on category and Strategy: The APAC white oil market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion, partnership, collaboration, and joint venture. The favored strategy for the companies has been launching processing units to strengthen their position in the white oil Strategy: Key players in the APAC white oil market have been analyzed and profiled in the study of white oil products. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the white oil market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the Market Players Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Gandhar Oil Refinery Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Savita Oil Technologies Limited Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 77 Forecast Period 2024 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.13 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $4.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.2% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Key Topics Covered: Executive SummaryScope and Definition1 Market: Industry Outlook1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment1.1.1 Advancements in Refining Technologies1.1.2 Nanotechnology and its Impact on White Oil Applications1.1.3 Bio-Based Alternatives to White Oil1.2 Supply Chain Overview1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis1.2.2 Product Margin Analysis1.2.3 Pricing Forecast1.3 Research and Development Review1.3.1 Patent Publishing Trend1.4 Regulatory Landscape (by Region)1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Regulatory Landscape1.4.1.1 Regulations Governing White Oil Use in Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals in China, India, and Japan1.4.1.2 ASEAN Regulations for Food Industry Applications1.5 Sustainability and Environmental Impact of White Oil1.5.1 Sustainable Sourcing of Raw Materials1.5.2 Environmental Regulations Impacting the Production of White Oil1.5.3 Eco-Friendly Alternatives and Innovations1.6 Stakeholder Analysis1.6.1 Use Case1.6.2 End User and Buying Criteria1.7 Impact Analysis for Key Events1.8 Market Dynamics Overview1.8.1 Market Drivers1.8.1.1 Growth in the Automotive Sector1.8.1.2 Expanding Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Industry1.8.1.3 Rising Plastic Production1.8.2 Market Challenges1.8.2.1 Fluctuating Raw Material Prices1.8.2.2 Stringent Regulatory Compliance1.8.3 Market Opportunities1.8.3.1 Expansion in Specialty and Sustainable Grades2 Regions2.1 Regional Summary2.2 Asia-Pacific2.2.1 Regional Overview2.2.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth2.2.3 Factors Challenging the Market2.2.4 Application2.2.5 Product2.2.6 Asia-Pacific White Oil Market (by Country)2.2.6.1 China2.2.6.2 Japan2.2.6.3 India2.2.6.4 South Korea2.2.6.5 Rest-of-Asia-Pacific3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles3.1 Next Frontiers3.2 Geographic Assessment3.2.1 Overview3.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio3.2.3 Top Competitors3.2.4 Target Customers3.2.5 Key Personnel3.2.6 Analyst View3.2.7 Market Share, 20234 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Asia-Pacific White Oil Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fibre2Fashion
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fibre2Fashion
German MNC Henkel & Sasol partner to cut adhesive carbon footprint
Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, and Sasol, a global leader in Fischer-Tropsch technology, have announced a strategic partnership focused on reducing the environmental impact of hot melt adhesives. Through the integration of Sasol's newly developed SASOLWAX LC product range into Henkel's TECHNOMELT portfolio for the European, Indian, Middle Eastern and African markets, Henkel is delivering advanced adhesive solutions with a reduced carbon emission impact, for consumer goods packaging manufacturers. Henkel and Sasol have partnered to reduce the carbon impact of hot melt adhesives by integrating Sasol's SASOLWAX LC100 into Henkel's TECHNOMELT range. The new wax offers a 35 per cent lower carbon footprint without performance loss. This supports Henkel's 2030 emissions goals and reflects both firms' commitment to science-based, sustainable solutions. SASOLWAX LC100, produced via Sasol's enhanced Fischer-Tropsch process, delivers a 35 percent reduction in Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) cradle-to-gate compared to proven baseline formulas without compromising on performance. As a drop-in replacement in Henkel's legacy formulations, it enables seamless adoption across production lines while aligning with Henkel's ambition to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (base year 2021). The partnership reflects both companies' alignment with the Science Based Target initiative and commitment to credible sustainability practices. The PCF methodology applied to entire SASOLWAX value chain is rigorously developed and independently reviewed to comply with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards, ensuring transparency and trust in environmental claims. "This partnership exemplifies how innovation in material science can enable measurable benefits for our customers," said Corbett Wallace, Corporate Vice President, Consumer Goods, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. "As demand grows for more sustainable consumer goods, our collaboration with Sasol allows brands to achieve their environmental goals without trade-offs in quality or performance. Together, we are enabling smarter, more responsible choices across the value chain." "We are proud to join forces with Henkel in this strategic partnership, marking a key milestone on our aligned path to a more sustainable future," said David Mokomela, Senior Vice President Chemicals Marketing & Sales at Sasol. "The SASOLWAX LC range, with 35 percent PCF reduction, is only the first step in a broader roadmap toward further significant reductions. As our products are designed as drop-in alternatives, the market can quickly benefit from the next steps in carbon footprint reduction." TECHNOMELT adhesives are widely used in applications ranging from food and beverage packaging to hygiene and personal care products. With the incorporation of SASOLWAX LC100, Henkel empowers its partners to improve product sustainability at the material level, supporting consumer brands in delivering on their climate commitments and strengthening supply chain transparency. The partnership includes further exploration of renewable and recycled inputs, supported by Sasol's adaptable synthesis capabilities and joint efforts toward sustainable innovation. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
