LanzaJet, a prominent sustainable fuels technology company, has marked a historic moment with the grand opening of the LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels plant in Soperton, Georgia.

This facility is hailed as the world's first ethanol-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant, a groundbreaking initiative in pursuing sustainable and decarbonised aviation.

Pioneering tech for decarbonising aviation

LanzaJet's innovative technology, recognised as the pioneering ethanol-to-SAF production process, has the potential to transform the aviation industry.

Capable of scaling production to meet the demands of decarbonisation, the technology utilises sustainable feedstock, emerging waste-based solutions, and promising economic conditions.

CEO Jimmy Samartzis said: "Our novel LanzaJet ethanol-to-SAF process technology is now deployed at our commercial plant in Georgia, which will convert ethanol into drop-in SAF." 

The Freedom Pines Fuels plant is not just a new venture, it signifies the culmination of a history of firsts within the SAF industry. Originating in 2010 as the first ethanol-to-SAF technology developed in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL). It achieved its first commercial flights with Virgin Atlantic and All Nippon Airways (ANA) in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The grand opening ceremony saw the presence of esteemed guests, including US secretary of agriculture Tom Vilsack, US deputy secretary of energy David Turk, and industry leaders.

Secretary Vilsack expressed the government's commitment to harnessing SAF's potential, said: "LanzaJet’s facility will help accelerate the SAF industry and provide new economic opportunities for producers for a more sustainable future." 

LanzaJet's vision is supported by a coalition of shareholders and investors, including International Airlines Group (IAG), LanzaTech, Mitsui & Co, Shell, Suncor Energy, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, Breakthrough Energy, British Airways, and ANA.

Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaJet board director and CEO of LanzaTech highlighted the significance of Freedom Pines Fuels, said: "This historic facility is an important pillar of a growing SAF economy in the United States and is a significant decarbonisation milestone in the world."

Drop-in fuel for existing aircraft

The SAF produced at the Freedom Pines Fuels plant will be utilised immediately as a drop-in fuel for existing aircraft, addressing the aviation industry's contribution of two to three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

With a reduction of more than 70% in greenhouse gas emissions, the plant uses diverse, sustainable feedstocks, including agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and carbon captured from industrial processes.

Situated in Treutlen County, Georgia, the facility is poised to create more than 250 jobs and generate an estimated $70m in annual economic activity for the local economy. Fully funded and with committed off-take agreements for the next decade, LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels represents a promising step towards a more sustainable and economically vibrant future.

In the words of CEO Jimmy Samartzis: "Today is a testament to the conviction required by industry, government, and funders to advance innovation and stretch the boundaries of what is achievable to address decarbonisation and tackle climate change."