Developed originally in response to oil embargoes during the apartheid era, the technology converts coal into synthetic petroleum products at massive scale. It remains one of the most significant industrial complexes in South Africa and a major source of the country's liquid fuel supply.
Source: Sasol
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did South Africa develop coal-to-liquid technology?
International sanctions and oil embargoes during apartheid threatened the country's fuel supply, pushing Sasol to develop and scale synthetic fuel production domestically.
Is this technology still relevant today?
Yes, though it's increasingly scrutinised for its carbon emissions — Sasol has since committed to reducing the plant's environmental impact as part of broader decarbonisation targets.
When was Sasol founded?
Sasol was established in 1950, and the Secunda facility — its largest coal-to-liquid site — became operational in stages during the 1980s.