Ethanol Takes Flight: LanzaJet’s Breakthrough Fuels Sustainable Aviation

SOPHERTON, GA – November 13, 2025 – In a rural corner of Georgia, a groundbreaking innovation is poised to reshape the future of air travel. LanzaJet has successfully commenced commercial production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ethanol at its newly completed Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Soperton, marking a significant leap forward in the quest for decarbonizing the aviation industry. This milestone, years in the making, demonstrates the commercial viability of Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology and promises a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuel.

Beyond Biofuels: The Promise of ATJ Technology

For decades, the aviation industry has grappled with its substantial carbon footprint. While initiatives like improved aircraft efficiency and carbon offsetting have gained traction, a truly sustainable solution requires a fundamental shift in fuel sources. Current SAF production relies heavily on Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), which utilizes waste oils and fats. However, feedstock limitations are becoming increasingly apparent, raising concerns about scalability. LanzaJet’s ATJ technology offers a compelling alternative by broadening the feedstock pool to include readily available ethanol.

“The beauty of ATJ is its versatility,” explains one industry analyst. “Unlike HEFA, which is constrained by the availability of waste oils, ATJ can utilize a wide range of sustainable ethanol sources – from agricultural residues and energy crops to even captured carbon. This opens up tremendous potential for scalability and reduces reliance on limited feedstocks.”

The Soperton facility boasts a capacity of 10 million gallons per annum (MMgy) of advanced biofuels, with 9 MMgy dedicated to SAF and 1 MMgy to renewable diesel. The fuel produced meets stringent ASTM D7566 Annex A5 specifications, ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft infrastructure and allowing for blends of up to 50% SAF with conventional jet fuel. This “drop-in” capability is crucial for widespread adoption, minimizing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.

Fueling Sustainability: A Lifecycle Perspective

While the potential benefits of ATJ technology are significant, a comprehensive assessment requires a lifecycle perspective. The true environmental impact of SAF extends beyond the combustion phase and encompasses the entire supply chain, from feedstock production to fuel transportation and combustion. LanzaJet emphasizes its commitment to sustainable sourcing and claims that its SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% compared to conventional jet fuel.

“We’re not just focused on reducing emissions from the tailpipe,” says one source close to the project. “We’re looking at the entire lifecycle, from how the ethanol is produced to how the fuel is transported and used. Our goal is to create a truly sustainable solution that minimizes environmental impact at every stage.”

The company is utilizing ISCC certification to ensure the traceability and sustainability of its ethanol supply chain. The source of ethanol remains crucial, with options including agricultural residues, energy crops, and even waste biomass offering varying degrees of environmental benefit. The increasing availability of cellulosic ethanol, derived from non-food biomass sources, is expected to further enhance the sustainability profile of LanzaJet’s SAF.

Economic Revitalization and Community Impact

Beyond its environmental benefits, the LanzaJet project is poised to inject significant economic vitality into rural Treutlen County, Georgia. The development of the Soperton facility created over 300 construction jobs and has led to the creation of over 65 direct and indirect operational jobs. The project is estimated to contribute approximately $70 million annually to the local economy, providing a much-needed boost to the region.

“This project is more than just a fuel plant; it's a catalyst for economic revitalization,” explains a local economic development official. “It's creating jobs, attracting investment, and providing opportunities for our residents. It's a game-changer for our community.”

The success of the LanzaJet project could serve as a model for other rural communities seeking to attract sustainable investments and create economic opportunities. By leveraging local resources and embracing innovative technologies, these communities can build a more resilient and prosperous future.

LanzaJet’s innovative approach has attracted a diverse range of investors, including major airlines like Airbus, British Airways, and Southwest Airlines, as well as energy companies like Shell and Suncor. This broad coalition of stakeholders underscores the growing recognition that sustainable aviation is not just an environmental imperative but also a sound business strategy. With secured offtake agreements for the next 10 years, the Freedom Pines Fuels plant is well positioned to deliver a steady supply of sustainable fuel to a growing market. The plant’s goal of achieving profitability in 2025 is a testament to the viability of this pioneering technology.