LanzaTech Global Inc. and LanzaJet Inc. have united to unveil CirculAir, an innovative technology that converts waste, carbon, and renewable power into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This collaboration represents a major advancement in the global effort to decarbonize the aviation industry. Through the adoption of a new ASTM-approved SAF production pathway, CirculAir offers a cost-effective and commercialized alternative to Fischer-Tropsch technology. This allows for the production of e-fuels, power-to-liquids (PtL), and waste-to-fuels, with ethanol as the biointermediate and alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology used to produce SAF and renewable diesel (RD). The transformative potential of this technology is set to revolutionize the aviation industry, providing a practical solution for the worldwide production of waste-based SAF.
CirculAir is a meticulously designed joint technology solution that has the ability to convert various waste sources into SAF, including municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, carbon emissions, and carbon dioxide through direct air capture. By combining LanzaTech’s gas fermentation technology with LanzaJet’s ATJ technology, CirculAir has been designed to produce SAF and renewable diesel in an efficient and cost-effective manner, with anticipated reductions in aviation emissions by at least 85%. Moreover, the resulting SAF may even yield carbon negative results, depending on the feedstock used. This pioneering solution aims to address the critical need for SAF, which is projected to account for 65–70% of overall aviation emissions reduction required to achieve net zero by 2050.
The partnership between LanzaTech and LanzaJet presents a unique opportunity to establish a domestic SAF supply in any country by utilizing waste sources or recycled carbon to produce SAF, while adhering to an ASTM-approved ethanol-to-SAF pathway. With ongoing efforts across five continents, it is evident that CirculAir will have a global impact. By offering a robust solution that can reduce reliance on fossil resources, this initiative is poised to drive positive change in the aviation industry.
In line with the global shift towards sustainability, CirculAir is positioned to overcome past supply constraints, high costs, and technical barriers associated with SAF production. Anticipated widespread adoption of the technology is expected to accelerate production and economies of scale necessary to lower the global cost of SAF. The venture serves as a testament to the enduring collaboration between LanzaTech and LanzaJet, as well as their shared vision to scale nascent industries and bring emerging technologies to the market. With a history of successful joint projects globally, these two companies are well-equipped to revolutionize the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
The introduction of CirculAir by LanzaTech and LanzaJet represents a milestone for the aviation industry and a significant step towards achieving global decarbonization goals. As the world’s focus turns towards sustainable aviation and renewable fuels, the innovative solutions offered by industry leaders hold the promise of paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.