SAFFiRE breaks ground on Kansas ethanol-to-jet facility

SAFFiRE Renewables broke ground on its pilot plant at Conestoga Energy’s Arkalon Energy facility in Liberal, Kansas to transform corn stover into low carbon feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“Today’s groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for SAFFiRE Renewables,” said Tom Nealon, CEO, SAFFiRE Renewables. “Our priority now is to complete the construction of our pilot plant, with a target of Q4 2025, and begin operations. We’re very fortunate to have great partners who are equally committed to the success of SAFFiRE, including Southwest Airlines, Conestoga Energy, LanzaJet, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and the Department of Energy. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are prepared and excited for the path ahead.”

Once completed, the plant will be capable of processing 10 tons of corn stover every day, yielding cellulosic ethanol that can be upgraded into SAF with a carbon footprint at least 83% lower than conventional jet fuel.

SAFFiRE utilises exclusive technology developed by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with funding from Southwest Airlines and Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).

Earlier in April, Southwest Airlines announced that it has acquired SAFFiRE Renewables as part of the investment portfolio of its wholly owned subsidiary Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures.