Sasol Technology today unveiled its new state-of-the-art Research and Technology (R&T) facility at the Sasol One Site in Sasolburg. This marks another step in Sasol growing its technological lead through research and development, technology management and constant nnovation, which is at the centre of the company’s strategic growth agenda.

Construction of the R150 million, five storey building began in January 2010 and houses Sasol’s research and development, and fuels technology, which form part of Sasol’s R&T campus. It consists of world-class laboratories, sophisticated analytical equipment, pilot plants, offices and maintenance workshops. Sasol’s scientists and engineers continuously research and develop new technologies and efficiencies for the business, while improving existing technologies.

“This new research and technology facility is a significant milestone for our Sasolburg site, the world’s first coal-to-liquids plant. This facility is not only an investment in Sasol’s future but shows Sasol’s continued commitment to South Africa,” said Lean Strauss, Senior Group Executive for New Business Development and Technology, Sasol.

“This is more than a new facility on our Sasol One Site. Sasol is a global leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) and coal-to-liquids (CTL) technology, and processes to produce liquid fuels and chemicals. This facility will enable us to be more competitive and further push boundaries when it comes to our ambitious global growth program,” said Flip De Wet, Managing Director, Sasol Technology.

The new facility will enhance Sasol’s R&T campus, which houses 14 laboratories, a number of piloting facilities, 150 PhD graduates, close to 100 engineers, over 200 scientists and over 100 chemists and technologists combined.

Sasol’s technology expertise includes coal and gas processing technologies, Fischer-Tropsch catalysis and engineering research, refinery and fuels technologies, chemical technologies, environmental sciences and engineering, and alternative energy and advanced analytical solutions.

Sasol’s current combined capital and operational expenditure for Sasol Technology’s R&D function is over R1 billion a year, of which over 90% is invested in South Africa. Sasol Technology is currently executing further capital projects having a value of more than R 450 million, to support its development activities.

The new development marks one of the many investments that Sasol continues to make in its home-base, South Africa. Sasol increased its capital expenditure in South Africa by 14% in the past financial year to R18.8 billion, which represents approximately 70% of total capital expenditure.

As part of the company’s on-going investment in South Africa, Sasol will invest R200 million, in the Metsimaholo Municipality and in the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Mpumalanga to enhance the sustainable development of the communities in both regions, over and above Sasol’s existing social investment.

Education remains a cornerstone of Sasol’s investment in South Africa and invests in initiatives that span the education spectrum, from basic education to post-graduate educations.

To nurture new researchers, Sasol also initiated a 10-year University Collaboration Programme in 2006. This R250 million investment will build the competency in science and chemical engineering and improve the research and teaching facilities across 11 universities. This will ensure a long-term supply of trained post-graduates for South Africa.

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Sasol Technology unveiled its new state-of-the-art Research and Technology (R&T) facility at the Sasol One Site in Sasolburg.

FACT SHEET

• Sasol Technology’s new state-of-the-art Novus research facility was officially opened on 9 November 2012.
• The main aim of the building is to improve current facilities and cater for additional laboratory and office space for both Sasol Technology’s Research & Development (R&D) and Fuels Technology groups.
• The R150 million, five storey building at 6 700 square metres forms parts of the Research & Technology (R&T) campus that houses 14 laboratories, various cold and chemical stores and a conference room that seats 350 people.
• The Novus Building has six conference rooms, two on the top floor and a further one on every floor that are fully automated with state-of-the-art audio, video and presentation equipment.
• Two energy saving features of the building include automated lighting and an air conditioning system that uses chillers, the largest domestic system of its kind in South Africa.
• European style windows are based on the French Technal system which means they can be opened from the inside and swing through 90 degrees, meaning they can be cleaned from the inside. This drastically reduces the safety risk of cleaning windows.
• The ventilation and heating system installed in this building deviate from conventional systems in that this absorption chiller/air conditioner uses 2.4 bar steam from the Sasol One site to convert heat to cold and vice versa. This type of chiller saves money and electricity making it cost effective and environmentally friendly. It uses 50 KW of electricity as opposed to a conventional system of 500KW realising a 10-15% saving. This is enough power to generate electricity in 50 houses.
• Heat pumps will be used to complement the geyser systems which will further decrease electrical consumption.
• With regard to lightening within the building, dimmer systems and automated shut off systems have been installed meaning less wastage of electricity.
• Three lifts have been installed within the building, one industrial size. This is not only for transportation of large items but in addition for medical emergencies where patients will be stretchered down using this lift.
• Double volume space in the main hall connects the various sections while creating a synergy and awareness of the interconnectivity of the larger campus area. Pause areas on each floor and a large employee refreshment area ensure the building is conducive to employee morale and productivity
• The laboratories also maintain hi-tech gas detectors and modern walk in fume cupboards for larger type of experiments.
• Technology is at the core of Sasol and is fundamental to the company’s sustainability and competitiveness and continuous and effective innovation of technology can only be derived from an optimal research and development (R&D) function, informed by a strategic view of the economic landscape.
• R&D and Fuels Technology deliver value to Sasol by developing new processes and products and supporting existing operations and businesses.
• Sasol’s R&T campus has 150 PhD graduates, close to 100 engineers, over 200 scientists and over 100 chemists and technologists combined.
• Sasol Technology produces over 200 publications and conference presentations annually and has been granted 144 patents over a 10-year period.
• Sasol’s average R&D intensity is 1.09% (1998 to 2008)

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