LanzaJet's Project Speedbird Takes Flight in the UK With Major Ethanol-to-Jet Advancement

LanzaJet's Project Speedbird Gains Momentum in the UK

In a significant stride towards sustainable aviation, LanzaJet, Inc. has successfully secured over $13 million (£10 million) from the UK Department for Transport's Advanced Fuels Fund. This funding is earmarked for the advancement of Project Speedbird, a pioneering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery located in Teesside. This project represents a crucial milestone in the journey towards producing aviation fuel from ethanol, a process that harnesses waste-based feedstocks.

The allocation stands as the largest grant from the current funding round, highlighting the maturity and potential impact of Project Speedbird, particularly as it transitions into its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase. The project's core aim is to produce sustainable aviation fuel by utilizing LanzaJet's patented Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology, further incorporating Technip Energies' Hummingbird® ethanol-to-ethylene technology. This innovative technique is being applied at LanzaJet's Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA, and is now set to establish a commercial presence in the UK.

Once operational, the Teesside facility is projected to yield over 30 million gallons (approximately 90 kilotons) of sustainable fuels annually, drastically reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional fossil jet fuels. This transition is aligned with the UK's governmental mandate that aims to have 10% of jet fuel sourced from sustainable origins by 2030.

CEO Jimmy Samartzis expressed that the partnership with the UK government symbolizes the collective effort required to foster a new industry in sustainable fuel. He emphasized the importance of Project Speedbird not only in the realm of sustainable aviation but also as a vehicle for economic growth, employment opportunities, and the broader decarbonization of aviation.

With this pivotal funding, LanzaJet is not just taking steps to innovate within the aviation fuel sector but is also contributing substantially to the regional economy. The Teesside project is anticipated to create hundreds of new jobs while positioning the area as a clean energy hub. By integrating local suppliers and renewable energy producers, LanzaJet is constructing an interconnected ecosystem that will support the UK’s ambitious net-zero strategy.

Project Speedbird is more than just a biorefinery; it's a strategic move toward establishing a sustainable aviation fuel industry that can compete with traditional fuel sources. LanzaJet’s focus on technological advancements and partnerships exemplifies how the private sector can collaborate with government bodies to foster innovation and drive industry standards.

In embodying this vision, Project Speedbird is on track to lead the way in sustainable aviation fuel development in the UK, contributing to a greener future for the aviation industry. As the project progresses, it will not only help the UK fulfill its sustainability commitments but also set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide.

Through its dedication to advancing alternative fuels, LanzaJet continues to be recognized as a frontrunner in the industry. With accolades such as TIME100’s Most Influential Company and awards from SP Global and MIT, the company is committed to transforming the global economy and ensuring a sustainable future for aviation.

Conclusion

The successful funding of Project Speedbird marks a significant leap forward in the quest for sustainable aviation fuel, reinforcing the commitment of both private and public sectors to achieve net-zero aircraft emissions. As LanzaJet navigates this essential phase of development, the implications for both the UK’s aviation industry and its broader economic landscape can hardly be overstated. This project exemplifies how innovative technologies can pave the way for a sustainable future, fostering economic growth and aiding in the global fight against climate change.