LanzaJet's Speedbird Project Advances Aviation Fuel Innovation in the UK

LanzaJet's Speedbird Project: Transforming Aviation Fuel in the UK

LanzaJet, Inc., a leading company in next-generation fuel technology, has recently marked a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with its Speedbird Project in the UK. Having been awarded over $13 million from the UK Department of Transport's Advanced Fuels Fund, this funding will propel the project to the next phase of development within the Teesside region.

The Speedbird Project is designed primarily for British Airways, one of LanzaJet's key investors and clients of SAF. This initiative aims to create a state-of-the-art bio-refinery that converts low-carbon ethanol into SAF, thus addressing the pressing need for greener aviation solutions. The awarded amount represents the largest allocation of this funding cycle, underscoring the role of LanzaJet as a pioneer in the SAF industry.

The current phase of the project involves moving toward the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), which is critical for establishing one of the first commercial scale ethanol to SAF production facilities in the UK. This facility will utilize raw materials sourced from waste, showcasing a sustainable approach to fuel production.

LanzaJet's unique Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology is at the heart of the Speedbird Project. This integrated solution is being paired with Technip Energies’ Hummingbird® technology, which transforms ethanol into ethylene. Notably, this technology is being commercially demonstrated at LanzaJet’s Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA, making the Speedbird Project the first of its kind in the UK.

Once operational, the Speedbird facility is expected to produce over 30 million gallons (around 90 kilotons) of sustainable fuel annually from low-carbon ethanol. This production will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout the lifecycle of the fuel compared to traditional fossil-based aviation fuel.

Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors in establishing a new industry. He stated, "We are proud to work with the UK Department of Transport to drive the Speedbird Project as a leading initiative that catalyzes the development of SAF in the UK." This endorsement reflects the confidence in LanzaJet's leadership in the SAF space, its ATJ technology, and its commitment to advancing economic growth, job creation, and decarbonization in air transportation.

The Speedbird Project is not just an essential step in establishing a national SAF industry in the UK; it also aims to stimulate opportunities and innovation within the region. The project is aligned with the UK government’s SAF mandate, which requires that by 2030, 10% of the aviation fuel utilized in the UK must derive from sustainable sources.

Located in the heart of Teesside, the LanzaJet plant will offer substantial regional benefits, creating hundreds of jobs and boosting the local economy. Furthermore, by situating the project in Teesside, LanzaJet contributes to a broader ecosystem of sustainable fuels, integrating local suppliers of raw materials, renewable energy producers, and partners involved in storage and distribution. Thus, the Speedbird initiative supports the UK's wider goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

With this recent funding milestone, LanzaJet continues to lead the global charge in sustainable fuels, harnessing technological innovation, operational expertise, and strong partnerships to facilitate the decarbonization of aviation effectively and efficiently.

About LanzaJet

LanzaJet is a premier provider of alternative fuel technology featuring its patented ethanol-based Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) process. The company is committed to creating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other critical alternative fuel technologies that will transform the global economy for future generations. Last year, LanzaJet was recognized as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies, one of MIT’s 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch in 2024, and earned the Platts Global Energy Award for Rising Star Company of the Year 2024.