SAFFiRE Renewables breaks ground on pilot plant in Kansas

Photo: Southwest Airlines

SAFFiRE Renewables LLC announced Aug. 29 that it broke ground on its pilot plant at Conestoga Energy’s Arkalon Energy facility in Liberal, Kansas, marking a significant step in SAFFiRE’s journey to transform corn stover into an abundant low-carbon feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Once finished, the plant will be capable of processing 10 tons of corn stover every day, yielding cellulosic ethanol that can be upgraded into SAF with a carbon footprint at least 83 percent lower than conventional jet fuel.

SAFFiRE utilizes exclusive technology developed by the U.S. DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory with funding from Southwest Airlines® and DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO).

To celebrate the groundbreaking, the SAFFiRE team was joined by Sen. Jerry Moran; Sen. Roger Marshall; Tom Nealon, CEO of SAFFiRE; Tom Willis, CEO of Conestoga; Debra Sanning, FAA deputy regional director; Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy; BETO Director Valerie Sarisky-Reed; and Congressman Tracey Mann.

“Today’s groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for SAFFiRE Renewables,” Nealon said. “Our priority now is to complete the construction of our pilot plant, with a target of fourth-quarter 2025, and begin operations. We’re very fortunate to have great partners who are equally committed to the success of SAFFiRE, including Southwest Airlines, Conestoga Energy, LanzaJet, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and the department of energy. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are prepared and excited for the path ahead.”

Sarisky-Reed added, “This pilot plant shows that public-private investments can put steel in the ground for pioneering SAF facilities.”

Skor said, “This plant has the potential to be a big step for Kansas—and a huge leap for the entire biofuels industry. SAF is a multibillion-dollar opportunity that would be transformational for the economy. America’s energy future needs it, our climate goals require it, and our rural communities—including right here in Kansas—sure deserve it.”

By transforming corn stover into ethanol, SAFFiRE said its novel technology approach has the potential to fuel aviation’s sustainable transition and positions the U.S. agriculture and ethanol industries at the forefront of SAF growth.