Shell Invests in Lanzajet to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Delivery

Shell Invests in LanzaJet's Alcohol-to-Jet Fuel Technology

Shell, a major energy company, has become a strategic investor in LanzaJet, joining other prominent entities like All Nippon Airways, Suncor Energy, Mitsui, and British Airways. This investment supports LanzaJet’s efforts to commercialize a novel process for converting alcohol into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

LanzaJet's Origins and Investment Strategy

Originating as a spin-off from LanzaTech, a climate tech company that has persevered since the first cleantech boom, LanzaJet is implementing a staged investment approach. This allows its corporate partners to contribute further capital as the company expands its production capabilities.

The specific details of the initial investment and LanzaJet’s subsequent valuation have not been publicly released.

Potential Impact on Aviation Emissions

LanzaJet asserts its technology can significantly contribute to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions. This would represent a substantial step towards fulfilling the emissions reduction targets established in the Paris Agreement.

Anna Mascolo, President of Shell Aviation, emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, “LanzaJet’s technology establishes a novel and promising route for SAF production utilizing an AtJ process, directly addressing the aviation sector’s pressing need for sustainable fuel.”

Construction of a Commercial-Scale Facility

Currently, LanzaJet is constructing a facility in Soperton, Georgia, dedicated to converting alcohol into jet fuel. This plant is poised to become the first commercial-scale operation for sustainable synthetic jet fuel, boasting an annual capacity of 10 million gallons.

Leveraging Shell's Ethanol Expertise

The production process relies on ethanol as a key input, a resource with which Shell possesses considerable experience. The company has been actively producing bio-ethanol for over a decade through its Raízen joint venture in Brazil, ensuring a reliable supply.

Fuel Blending and Emission Reduction

The resulting sustainable fuel is intended to be blended with traditional fossil jet fuel, reducing the overall carbon intensity of air travel. Approximately 90% of LanzaJet’s output will be allocated to aviation fuel, with the remaining 10% designated for renewable diesel.

SAF Certification and Compatibility

LanzaJet’s SAF has received approval for blending with fossil jet fuel at concentrations of up to 50%, the maximum limit set by ASTM standards. Importantly, this drop-in fuel requires no alterations to existing aircraft engines or infrastructure.

Furthermore, LanzaJet’s SAF demonstrates a lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction exceeding 70% when compared to conventional fossil jet fuel. The technology’s adaptability to various ethanol sources, coupled with a focus on low-carbon, waste-based feedstocks, positions it as a viable and lasting solution for sustainable aviation fuel.