Technip Energies’ Hummingbird Technology Powers LanzaJet’s World-First SAF Facility

Technip Energies unique Hummingbird® technology is a core part of American company LanzaJet world first production facility for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

LanzaJet recently announced that its Freedom Pines site in Soperton, Georgia (US) – the world’s first and only commercial-scale Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) plant – is in full operation and has started producing jet fuel.

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LanzaJet said this represents a critical breakthrough for the aviation industry. Its product is the world’s first non-oil based aviation fuel that is compatible with today’s aircraft and infrastructure. As such, it can help decarbonize aviation using widely available ethanol feedstocks and the production of ethanol from waste sources and recycled carbon.

LanzaJet believes that its SAF delivers more than 70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis, compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.

Technip Energies Hummingbird® technology plays an important role in LanzaJet AtJ process, which converts bioethanol derived from waste, off-gases, CO2 or biomass into SAF. Hummingbird® is used in the crucial first step to dehydrate the ethanol to ethylene.

Andreas Bormann, Technip Energies VP Technology - Sustainable Fuels, Chemicals, & Circularity, said: “By integrating Hummingbird® technology with LanzaJet Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) platform, we have delivered a scalable solution for sustainable aviation fuel. We appreciate the confidence LanzaJet has shown by choosing our advanced and efficient technology.”

“It is another reminder how technology and innovation set Technip Energies apart, allow us to continue growing our products and services, and help our clients to decarbonize their business.”

Technip Energies established a commercial relationship with LanzaJet founder, LanzaTech, in 2019. Meanwhile, the first licence award and catalyst supply agreement with LanzaJet involving Hummingbird® technology was signed in 2021.