In a groundbreaking move towards a greener future for aviation, Southwest Airlines has partnered with SAFFiRE Renewables to transform corn waste into sustainable jet fuel. Construction has begun on a pilot plant at Conestoga Energy’s Arkalon Energy facility in Liberal, Kansas. This facility marks a significant milestone in SAFFiRE’s mission to utilize corn stover, a readily available agricultural by-product, as a sustainable feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Upon completion, the plant will be capable of processing 10 tons of corn stover daily, producing cellulosic ethanol, a biofuel that can be converted into SAF with a carbon footprint significantly lower than traditional jet fuel – at least 83% lower. This innovative approach leverages proprietary technology developed by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and is backed by funding from Southwest Airlines and the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key figures in the industry, including Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Roger Marshall, SAFFiRE CEO Tom Nealon, Conestoga CEO Tom Willis, FAA Deputy Regional Director Debra Sanning, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, BETO Director Valerie Sarisky-Reed, and Congressman Tracey Mann.
“Today marks a significant milestone for SAFFiRE Renewables,” said Tom Nealon, CEO of SAFFiRE Renewables. “Our priority now is to complete the construction of our pilot plant, with a target of Q4 2025, and begin operations. We are fortunate to have incredible partners who share our commitment to the success of SAFFiRE, including Southwest Airlines, Conestoga Energy, LanzaJet, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and the Department of Energy. While there is still work to do, we are prepared and excited for the path ahead.”
“This pilot plant demonstrates the power of public-private investments in advancing pioneering SAF facilities,” stated BETO Director Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed. “It is inspiring to see DOE funding translate into industry milestones that directly support the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious SAF Grand Challenge, which aims to decarbonize the aviation sector.”
“This plant has the potential to be a significant step for Kansas and a major leap forward for the entire biofuels industry,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association. “SAF represents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity with the potential to transform our economy. America’s energy future demands it, our climate goals require it, and our rural communities, including here in Kansas, deserve it.”
By harnessing corn stover as a sustainable feedstock, SAFFiRE’s innovative approach has the potential to drive aviation towards a more sustainable future while propelling the U.S. agriculture and ethanol sectors to the forefront of SAF development.
