LanzaJet Gains Altitude With Significant Project Funding

Rhea-AI Summary

Breakthrough Energy has awarded its first Catalyst project funding to LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels SAF plant in Soperton, Georgia, marking a significant milestone in sustainable aviation fuel development. This funding comes after a meticulous review process, signaling confidence in LanzaJet's technology and Suncor's investment. The plant, projected to begin operations by the end of 2023, aims to produce nine million gallons of SAF annually, potentially reducing emissions by over 70% compared to traditional fossil fuels. This initiative is crucial for scaling SAF production and addressing aviation's carbon footprint.

Positive

• Breakthrough Energy Catalyst awarded funding to LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels project, indicating strong confidence in SAF technology.
• The plant is expected to produce nine million gallons of SAF annually, significantly increasing U.S. SAF production.
• Projected emissions reduction of at least 70% compared to fossil jet fuel will help lower aviation's greenhouse gas impact.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2023 / Founded by Bill Gates in 2015, Breakthrough Energy recently announced it will grant its first Catalyst project funding to LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels SAF plant in Soperton, Georgia.

Andrea Decore, Vice President, Low Carbon Fuels and GHG Offsets at Suncor, says the Breakthrough Energy announcement is big news. "The award came after a rigorous review by Breakthrough Energy, so it's a real vote of confidence for LanzaJet, its SAF technology, and Suncor's investment."

Breakthrough Energy Catalyst brings together corporate and philanthropic organizations to advance potential technologies by funding first-of-a-kind commercial-scale projects. It focuses on four key areas for Catalyst funding, one of which is SAF.

In 2020, Suncor invested in LanzaJet's alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) SAF technology and their Freedom Pines Fuels SAF commercial demonstration facility. Japan-based Mitsui & Co. and LanzaTech were also early investors, with British Airways and Shell following. The Freedom Pines Fuels plant has also received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund.

Projected to be operational at the end of 2023, LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels project is the firm's first commercial-scale SAF plant and will be the first in the world to produce ATJ SAF, which has the potential to lower emissions by at least 70 per cent compared to fossil jet fuel. Once fully operational, the plant will play a critical role in scaling SAF production and bringing lower-cost sustainable fuels to market.

Andrea points out that, "Aviation accounts for approximately two to three per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. As a ‘drop-in' fuel, SAF can be blended up to 50 per cent with conventional jet fuel and offers an important way to quickly decarbonize aviation with existing aircraft in use around the world."

The LanzaJet process can use any source of sustainable ethanol for SAF production, including ethanol produced from municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, industrial off-gases and biomass.

The demonstration facility is expected to produce nine million gallons of SAF and one million gallons of renewable diesel annually, roughly doubling current SAF production in the U.S. To put that into perspective, the facility is projected to produce enough SAF to fuel more than 1,300 Boeing 737-800 jets per year.

Construction of the Freedom Pines Fuels project is underway with completed modules due to ship to the site near Savannah, Georgia before the end of 2022.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Suncor Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Suncor Energy
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/suncor-energy
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Suncor Energy

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https://www.accesswire.com/734671/LanzaJet-Gains-Altitude-With-Significant-Project-Funding

FAQ

What is the significance of Breakthrough Energy's funding for LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels project?

The funding represents a significant vote of confidence in LanzaJet's sustainable aviation fuel technology and Suncor's investment, advancing commercial-scale SAF production.

When is LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels plant expected to become operational?

The plant is projected to be operational by the end of 2023.

How much sustainable aviation fuel will the Freedom Pines Fuels project produce annually?

The project is expected to produce nine million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel each year.

What emissions reduction can be expected from LanzaJet's SAF compared to fossil fuels?

LanzaJet's SAF has the potential to reduce emissions by at least 70% compared to fossil jet fuel.

How will LanzaJet's project impact sustainable aviation fuel production in the U.S.?

The facility is projected to double the current SAF production in the U.S., producing enough fuel for over 1,300 Boeing 737-800 jets annually.