RTI International Initiates Expansion of the Pilot Xcelerator Energy Facility

RTI International's Bold Step Forward

RTI International, a prominent independent scientific research institute, has taken a significant leap in energy innovation with its recent announcement regarding the expansion of its Pilot Xcelerator (RPX) facility. This groundbreaking project, celebrated on October 16, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in bolstering the infrastructure needed to support the significant advancement and application of transformative energy technologies and industrial innovations.

Expansion Details

The expansion will see the addition of an impressive 12,000 square feet of covered bay space, complemented by 3,000 square feet of dedicated indoor workspace. This means that the total size of the RPX will surpass 25,000 square feet, dedicated to pilot-scale technology demonstration. The new layout is designed to provide enhanced control rooms, staff amenities, and workspace that will foster innovation and collaboration among government agencies, commercial partners, and startup companies.

RTI’s President and CEO, Tim J. Gabel, emphasized the value of the RPX, stating, "The RTI Pilot Xcelerator brings our mission to life, helping transform bold scientific ideas into real-world solutions that tackle society's toughest challenges." This expansion serves as an investment in the infrastructure necessary for significant advancements in energy technology.

Driving Energy Innovations

The RPX holds the distinction of being the only privately owned energy pilot laboratory in North Carolina, and one of the few in the United States. To date, it has played a critical role in developing and scaling technologies aimed at converting agricultural waste into biofuels, capturing carbon emissions, and producing low carbon intensity aviation fuels. David Dausch, Ph.D., Vice President of Engineering and Advanced Technology at RTI, remarked on the importance of the RPX, stating, "Taking emerging energy technologies from concept to commercial readiness is a major challenge. By expanding RPX, we're creating a more robust environment to help clients bridge the gap between laboratory prototype and real-world impact."

The newly expanded RPX will incorporate various configurable bays designed for process skids along with dedicated control rooms for real-time monitoring during testing. Furthermore, it will be fully equipped with utilities, bulk gas supply, and other essential infrastructure to facilitate advanced testing and scale-up. A newly planned adjacent solar field will also enhance the facility's capabilities, fostering behind-the-meter integration for renewable energy demonstrations.

Collaborations and Community Engagement

The RPX has already established partnerships with various entities aimed at advancing energy innovation. For instance, in June 2025, Aether Fuels, a sustainable fuels technology company, announced a project to demonstrate its groundbreaking Aether Aurora™ sustainable aviation fuel within the RPX. Other notable recent collaborations include Syzygy Plasmonics, which successfully showcased an all-electric CO2-to-fuel production pathway, and Lydian Labs, which conducted a successful pilot demonstration for sustainable aviation fuel production using its innovative e-Reforming technology.

The expansion of the RPX underscores RTI's unwavering commitment to fostering a collaborative atmosphere conducive to practical solutions for critical energy and industrial challenges. Dr. Sameer Parvathikar, Program Director of RPX and Senior Director of Sustainable Energy Solutions at RTI, stated, "This next chapter opens the door to even more collaborations with clients tackling the toughest energy and industrial challenges."

By rapidly growing its facilities and capabilities, RTI International is paving the way for scientific advancements that resonate deeply with society's pressing needs. The updated RPX facility is set to become operational in 2026, heralding a new era of accelerated energy innovation that promises to deliver impactful solutions in the years to come.

For further insights on the RTI Pilot Xcelerator, you can visit their Insights Blog.

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