Thursday, August 29, 2024 Southwest Airlines partners with SAFFiRE Renewables to convert corn waste into sustainable jet fuel, pioneering a greener future for aviation. SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC (SAFFiRE) has commenced construction on its pilot plant at Conestoga Energy’s Arkalon Energy facility in Liberal, Kansas. This development represents a major milestone in SAFFiRE’s mission to convert corn stover into a plentiful low-carbon feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Upon completion, the plant will be capable of processing 10 tons of corn stover daily, producing cellulosic ethanol that can be converted into SAF with a carbon footprint that is at least 83% lower than that of traditional jet fuel. SAFFiRE is using proprietary technology developed by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), supported by funding from Southwest Airlines® and the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by key figures 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’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 .