Aug 29, 2024
LIBERAL, KANSAS — SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC (SAFFiRE) broke ground on its pilot plant at Conestoga Energy’s Arkalon Energy facility in Liberal, Kansas, marking a significant step in SAFFiRE’s journey to transform corn stover into an abundant low carbon feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Once finished, the plant will be capable of processing 10 tons of corn stover every day, yielding cellulosic ethanol that can be upgraded into SAF with a carbon footprint at least 83% lower than conventional jet fuel. SAFFiRE utilizes exclusive technology developed by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with funding from Southwest Airlines® and Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).
To celebrate the groundbreaking, the SAFFiRE team was joined by Sen. Jerry Moran; Sen. Roger Marshall; Tom Nealon, CEO of SAFFiRE; Tom Willis, CEO of Conestoga; Debra Sanning, FAA Deputy Regional Director; Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy; BETO Director Valerie Sarisky-Reed; and Congressman Tracey Mann.
“Today’s groundbreaking event 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’re very fortunate to have great partners who are equally committed to the success of SAFFiRE, including Southwest Airlines, Conestoga Energy, LanzaJet, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and the Department of Energy. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are prepared and excited for the path ahead.”
“This pilot plant shows that public-private investments can put steel in the ground for pioneering SAF facilities,” said BETO Director Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed. “It has been a pleasure 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 big step for Kansas—and a huge leap for the entire biofuels industry," said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, who was on-hand to congratulate SAFFiRE and Conestoga on their partnership. "SAF is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity that would be transformational for the economy. America's energy future needs it, our climate goals require it, and our rural communities—including right here in Kansas—sure deserve it."
By transforming corn stover into ethanol, SAFFiRE's novel technology approach has the potential to fuel aviation's sustainable transition and positions the U.S. agriculture and ethanol industries at the forefront of SAF growth.
For renderings and video of the pilot plant, visit saffirerenewables.com.
Media Contacts: Visit the Southwest Newsroom at swamedia.com for multimedia assets and other Company news.
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