LanzaJet Achieves Next Major Milestone with Innovative Sustainable Fuels Production Technology Fully Constructed at its Freedom Pines Fuels Facility
SOPERTON, Ga., April 20, 2023 — LanzaJet, Inc, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer, today announced completion of its next construction milestone for the world’s first alcohol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) commercial production plant. Earlier this month, LanzaJet and its construction partner, Thompson Construction Group, set the final modules of the fully erected 10+ story biorefinery that will be the core of the site’s technology and unique design.
The remaining build of LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels in Soperton, Georgia will take place throughout this year, with completion and commissioning planned for late 2023.
“It’s breathtaking viewing our biorefinery – the world’s first – to be fully erected and complete. It’s another historic moment with the culmination of innovation and partnership at its core. Completing the modular construction of the facility is a major milestone as we track toward coming online later this year,” said Jimmy Samartzis, LanzaJet CEO. “The project is fully funded, all long-lead equipment is arriving on site and on schedule, US EPA Renewable Fuel Standard pathway is secured, and sustainable fuel offtake agreements are in place to cover 100% of the fuels produced for the next 10 years.”
The construction of the LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels plant has been the product of a partnership between LanzaJet, Thompson Construction Group, and Zachry Sustainability Solutions (a Zachry Group company). LanzaJet’s relationship with Thompson and Zachry dates to the start of construction at Freedom Pines Fuels in August of 2022, and both partners have heavily influenced the design, engineering, and construction involved with this historic project that will significantly increase the amount of current SAF production in the United States.
“We wouldn’t be here without partners at all levels who are helping us build a new sustainable fuels industry,” said Samartzis. “Thompson and Zachry have been valued partners of LanzaJet and I’m confident in our collective ability to bring this project over the finish line and begin decarbonizing aviation at the pace our planet needs.”
“LanzaJet’s decision to engage all the technical, operations, construction, and maintenance stakeholders early in the project delivery process has paved the way for an efficient, safe and cost-effective installation,” said Bill Bryant, Vice President of Capital Projects at Thompson. “With the modular portion of the project complete, our current focus is to complete the balance of plant installation and facilitate the turnover and commissioning process.“
The novel sustainable fuels production pathway at LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels was originally engineered by LanzaTech, Inc. (LNZA) with support from Technip Energies, leveraging their Hummingbird® ethanol to ethylene technology, and built through a scalable modular construction approach led by market leader Zeton Inc., before its erection at the Soperton site. LanzaJet, Thompson and Zachry are now collaborating to ensure the facility is prepared to begin production of 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel per year using a range of sustainable, low carbon intensity ethanol, including from waste-based feedstocks.
“Our engineering team is collaboratively working with LanzaJet and Thompson to support construction activities and we look forward to continuing to be an integrated partner to bring this project to market. We are proud to work with LanzaJet and be on the ground floor of the dynamic sustainable aviation market and this first-of-its-kind plant.” Muneer Bachh, Senior Vice President, Zachry Engineering.
Located in Treutlen County and less than 100 miles from Savannah, the Soperton plant will create 125 direct jobs over the construction phase of the process, and approximately 30 direct and 25 – 50 indirect jobs during ongoing operations, and generate $5 million annually in estimated wages and benefits for the local economy.
ABOUT LANZAJET
LanzaJet is a leading sustainable fuels technology company dedicated to accelerating the energy transition by embracing the circular economy. As a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology provider and producer with patented LanzaJet™ alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, LanzaJet is creating an opportunity for future generations by accelerating the deployment of SAF and other clean technologies critical to addressing the climate crisis and transforming the global economy. Further information is available at https://www.lanzajet.com/
ABOUT THOMPSON CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Thompson Construction Group provides innovative, practical and high-quality construction and maintenance services to industrial, commercial and government clients. Over the past 36 years, Thompson has developed a reputation for world class safety, reliable scheduling, cost predictability and overall project accountability. We take pride in being a contractor who is “not hard to guard”.
ABOUT ZACHRY GROUP
Zachry Group is North America’s pacesetter in turnkey engineering, construction, maintenance, turnaround, and fabrication services to the energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. We work with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Since 1924, we have been a purpose-driven organization, united by a shared set of values and the desire to deliver the very best outcome for our customers. Visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.