Vast and GGS Energy launch Project Bravo to power US green fuel production

Vast and GGS Energy launch Project Bravo to power US green fuel production
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 30, 2024

Vast Renewables Limited ("Vast") (Nasdaq: VSTE), a leader in concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) systems, has announced a development services agreement with GGS Energy LLC ("GGS Energy") to launch Project Bravo, a major synthetic fuels project in the Southwest United States. The partnership will leverage Vast's CSP v3.0 technology to power a refinery producing green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF), marking Vast's debut in the U.S. market.

Project Bravo will utilize CSP-generated carbon-free heat and electricity, integrated directly with the facility to produce green methanol, a versatile hydrogen-based fuel suitable for decarbonizing maritime and aviation sectors. According to engineering firm Fichtner, CSP-driven methods may reduce green fuel production costs by up to 40 percent. The green methanol and e-SAF produced through this facility are anticipated to meet increasing demand, potentially securing long-term contracts with global partners focused on sustainable energy solutions.

The project draws inspiration from Solar Methanol 1 (SM1), a similar CSP-powered green methanol plant Vast is co-developing with energy giant Mabanaft in Australia. Located at the Port Augusta Green Energy Hub, SM1 will be powered by a 30 MW / 288 MWh CSP plant and is projected to produce 7,500 tonnes of green methanol annually.

Vast has already conducted preliminary work on Project Bravo, including design assessments, site selection, and feasibility studies, positioning the project for its next development phase in partnership with GGS Energy. The target for Project Bravo includes 550 MWh of CSP capacity, with additional details to be unveiled as progress continues.

Through its partnership with GGS Energy, a division of Glacier Global Partners with a focus on large-scale renewable energy, Vast aims to advance green fuel production within the U.S. and establish a blueprint for future projects across the country.

Craig Wood, CEO of Vast, highlighted the potential impact of CSP in reducing carbon emissions in both shipping and aviation: "CSP has the potential to unlock low-cost green fuel production in the U.S., and it can play a significant role in helping decarbonise shipping and aviation. We are delighted to have GGS Energy as a development partner to advance our plans in the U.S., which is a key market for Vast's technology."

Tommy Soriero of GGS Energy added, "GGS Energy is excited to partner with Vast and work to develop Project Bravo. This collaboration marks a significant step toward a sustainable future, harnessing advanced technology to produce low-cost green fuels. We are eager to combine our expertise and resources to ensure the success and impact of future innovative projects starting with Project Bravo."