BGN Technologies, Ralco Group to commercialize novel method for SAF production through CarboNGV joint venture

Prof. Moti Herskowitz (left) and members of his lab team (Photo: Dani Machlis/BU)

The quest for cleaner skies takes flight with the establishment of CarboNGV, a groundbreaking joint venture between the Blechner Center for Industrial Catalysis and Process Development represented by BGN Technologies, the tech-transfer company of Ben-Gurion University in Israel, and the Ralco Group.

“This dynamic duo is poised to revolutionize the aviation industry with a novel method for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a critical weapon in the fight against climate change,” Ben-Gurion University stated.

The Ralco Group, through its investment arm and as a part of its strategy to lead strategic initiatives in the synthetic-fuel arena, is injecting $2.4 million into this venture, propelling a decade-long odyssey of research at Ben-Gurion University’s Blechner Center to new heights.

The team’s efforts have yielded a promising technology capable of producing SAF, and CarboNGV is set to translate this potential into a tangible reality.

By 2025, the first demonstration plant is expected to become operational, churning out SAF and paving the way for a more sustainable future for air travel.

SAF is the aviation industry’s key lever in reducing carbon emissions to help meet the ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

The European Commission is leading the charge with its Fit for 55 legislative package, which includes a blending mandate for aviation fuel suppliers.

This mandate will become effective in 2025, starting with a modest 2 percent SAF blend, gradually ascending to a commanding 70 percent by 2050.

For Israel, reaching these lofty targets requires local forces like CarboNGV.

The government has recognized the urgency of the situation and placed immense importance on fostering such innovations, and Ralco Group has seized the momentum.

CarboNGV holds the key to a modern-day transformation, Ben-Gurion University stated.

Its simple application unlocks a universe of possibilities across industries, transforming a vast array of materials and feedstock into synthetic fuel.

Its adaptable technology embraces the diversity of waste streams, breathing new life into countless materials across industries, and converting much more waste into greener products while slashing carbon emissions.

“The skies above are no longer the limit for BGN Technologies, Ralco Group, and CarboNGV,” the university stated, adding that with each drop of SAF produced by CarboNGV, the world is closer to a reality in which air travel soars in harmony with the environment.

“We are very happy to have the opportunity to work with Ralco Group to bring a strategically crucial, green solution to market,” said Shirley Sheffer Hoffman, BGN’s senior vice president of climate-tech business development.

Arie Sussely, CEO of CarboNGV, added, “For me, CarboNGV is more than a business—it’s a national mission. After more than two decades of serving my country behind the scenes, I am proud to be at the forefront of this critical endeavor. We are aiming to make Israel a leader in sustainable aviation solutions and turn it into a take-off nation, which is more important now than ever. At CarboNGV, we believe the sky is not the limit.”

Moti Herskowitz, director of the Blechner Center, said, “I am confident that the advanced patent-backed technology developed at the Blechner Center combined with the excellent business platform provided by CarboNGV will yield a process to be implemented worldwide.”