Highlights

• Airbus invests in LanzaJet to enhance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
• The collaboration aims to advance the production of SAF derived from ethanol.
• LanzaJet's technology considerably reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Airbus, a major player in the aerospace industry, has announced a strategic investment in LanzaJet, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel technology.

The investment aims to advance the Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathway. This technology is essential for the large-scale manufacturing of SAF because it allows LanzaJet to develop its proprietary process of converting ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel.

Reducing Aviation's Carbon Footprint

“Sustainable aviation fuels are one of the most important levers available to decarbonise aviation, but their production is still limited. Our partnership with LanzaJet demonstrates Airbus' commitment to work with leading energy technology suppliers to explore innovative production pathways and scale SAF," said Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus. "This important partnership with LanzaJet underlines the importance of new technologies and cross-sector collaboration to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”

This partnership highlights the importance of innovative technology and industry-wide cooperation in reaching the aviation sector's critical objective of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Ethanol-to-SAF Technology

“LanzaJet intentionally developed a diverse portfolio of strategic investors consisting of leading, global companies to ensure we have the ecosystem to scale the SAF industry,” said Jimmy Samartzis, Chief Executive Officer of LanzaJet. “This important investment from Airbus supports the growth of our company, enabling LanzaJet to scale the production and deployment of SAF to continue working towards meeting aviation’s decarbonization goals and developing a more sustainable industry.”

LanzaJet's technology uses low-carbon ethanol to create SAF, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to traditional fossil fuels. Also, the company aims to decrease emissions by incorporating carbon capture technologies.

The fuel produced through LanzaJet's ATJ process is fully compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure, eliminating the need for modifications.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Globally

LanzaJet is now constructing the world's first commercial-scale ethanol-to-SAF facility at LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels in the United States. This plant will produce SAF and renewable diesel from sustainable, low-carbon ethanol, serving as a model for future large-scale SAF production.

With ongoing projects in 25 countries across five continents, LanzaJet is working towards global expansion of its ethanol-to-jet technology and developing partnerships with key players throughout the SAF value chain.

Follow KnowESG's Technology News for regular news and views.

Discover an extensive network of ESG providers here

For ESG course updates

Source: Airbus