LanzaJet, a distinguished sustainable fuels technology company and producer, officially opened the LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels facility today in collaboration with government officials, industry leaders, partners, and supporters.
This facility now stands as the world’s leading ethanol-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant, showcasing LanzaJet’s groundbreaking technology acknowledged for its transformative ethanol-to-SAF production process.
Located in Soperton, Georgia, LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels signifies a substantial leap in SAF technology, being one of the most promising developments in nearly a decade to achieve commercial viability. The facility is set to produce 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually, derived from low-carbon, sustainable, and certified ethanol meeting global standards. LanzaJet’s technology addresses the need for scalable production to effectively decarbonize aviation, utilizing widely available and sustainable feedstock, emerging waste-based solutions, and favorable economic conditions.
This establishment aligns with the White House’s SAF Grand Challenge, to supply at least 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030, thereby significantly contributing to the reduction of aviation emissions. LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels, equipped with proprietary ethanol-to-SAF technology, serves as an exemplary model for employing innovative approaches to scale SAF production, playing a pivotal role in combating the escalating climate crisis.
LanzaJet’s involvement in the SAF industry commenced in 2010, collaborating with the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) to introduce the first ethanol-to-SAF technology. Commercial flights utilizing the technology occurred in 2018 and 2019 with Virgin Atlantic and All Nippon Airways (ANA), respectively.
CEO Jimmy Samartzis underscored the historic significance of this accomplishment, highlighting the collaborative efforts between industry, government, and funders to push the boundaries of innovation in addressing decarbonization and climate change. As the facility initiates operations, LanzaJet aims to enhance its technology while actively pursuing sustainable fuel projects on a global scale, poised to contribute to both global and U.S. aviation decarbonization goals.
The event witnessed the presence of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk, and other dignitaries, underscoring the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to leverage SAF for sustainable economic development and rural revitalization. Shareholders and investors, including International Airlines Group (IAG), LanzaTech, Mitsui & Co, Shell, Suncor Energy, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, Breakthrough Energy, British Airways, and ANA, also participated in the celebration.
Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaJet Board Director and Chief Executive of LanzaTech portrayed LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels as tangible evidence of the ongoing energy transition. The facility establishes secure domestic supply chains, creates local employment opportunities, and contributes to a burgeoning SAF economy in the United States. With full funding secured through committed offtake agreements for the next decade, the facility is poised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70%, utilizing a variety of sustainable feedstocks.
The SAF produced at LanzaJet’s Georgia facility will immediately serve as a drop-in fuel for existing aircraft, effectively addressing the aviation industry’s contribution to 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Located in Treutlen County, the plant is anticipated to generate over 250 jobs and contribute an estimated $70 million in annual economic activity to the local economy.
