In this episode of our ‘Sustainability in the Air’ podcast, Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, speaks with SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam. He shares the company’s journey in developing the world’s first proven alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology that converts ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel.
By leveraging its ATJ technology, LanzaJet aims to produce 1 billion gallons of SAF by 2030, and offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional jet fuel. As Samartzis likes to say, “At the core, we are a technology and engineering company.”
Here are the key highlights of the conversation:
LanzaJet’s business model and global reach (6:13)
Advantages of LanzaJet’s ATJ technology (9:44)
LanzaJet’s billion-gallon goal and strategic partnerships (16:34)
Environmental benefits of LanzaJet's SAF (21:06)
SAF pricing and future cost projections (24:24)
Decarbonising aviation and the role of SAF (27:45)
Policy support and incentives for SAF (34:15)
Engaging airlines and consumers in SAF adoption (36:52)
Rapid Fire Round (51:06)
Keep reading for a quick overview of the episode.
Why LanzaJet’s Alcohol-to-Jet technology matters
The value proposition of LanzaJet’s technology lies in its potential to significantly reduce aviation’s carbon footprint while utilising a wide range of feedstocks, including agri waste, municipal solid waste, and even carbon emissions, says Samartzis.
Moreover, according to LanzaJet, the SAF produced using its ATJ process offers numerous environmental benefits, including a 95% reduction in contrail formation, sulphur emissions, and particulate matter.
LanzaJet’s ATJ technology also offers high carbon efficiency and is highly suited to manufacture SAF, adds Samartzis. It can convert 98% of the carbon available in ethanol into high-value hydrocarbon products and produce a highly selective output of up to 90% SAF and 10% renewable diesel. This product mix can be adjusted based on market demand, and can prove to be a game-changer for aviation.
5 ways LanzaJet is envisioning the future of SAF
1. The world’s first ATJ plant
Earlier this year, LanzaJet achieved a monumental milestone with the development of its first commercial-scale ATJ facility called LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels in Georgia. This plant is the world’s first ethanol-to-SAF production facility.
Samartzis explains the importance of this achievement, “to see a new technology go from an idea to operation is a big deal. It certainly was a big deal for us as a company because we’ve been at it as LanzaJet and LanzaTech together since 2010.”
2. A match made in SAF heaven: LanzaJet and LanzaTech
LanzaJet and LanzaTech are two companies that are part of the same family but focus on different aspects of the sustainable fuel production process.
While LanzaTech specialises in converting waste carbon into valuable chemicals, including ethanol, LanzaJet focuses on the transformative process of turning ethanol into SAF and renewable diesel. The synergies between the two companies allow them to offer a comprehensive solution to their customers.
“We bring both solutions together so we can go from a waste carbon molecule all the way to the finished fuel product,” explains Samartzis.
This complementary approach enables LanzaJet and LanzaTech to address the full spectrum of sustainable fuel production. By leveraging each other’s strengths, the two companies aim to deliver an integrated solution that maximises the environmental benefits of their technologies.
3. Approach to feedstocks and sustainability certification
LanzaJet’s ATJ technology is designed to utilise a wide range of feedstocks, providing a high degree of flexibility and adaptability. Moreover, ATJ is also considered a next-generation technology that can be scaled up significantly to increase SAF production, says Samartzis.
When asked about the company’s approach to different feedstocks, particularly in light of the EU’s restrictions on certain SAF pathways, Samartzis clarifies, “For us, it’s all about the alcohol-to-jet pathway. What we do as a company is [convert] ethanol to SAF. It’s the technology we own that we’ve developed over more than a decade.”
Samartzis stresses the importance of using sustainably certified feedstocks and ensuring that the SAF produced meets the expected lifecycle impact. He mentions that LanzaJet's plant in the United States is ISCC-certified across the entire value chain. LanzaJet has also joined RSB to drive best practices and lend its expertise for greater SAF adoption.
“It’s important to have feedstocks and to have SAF that also meets certain criteria that is sustainably certified. All those things are very important to us.”
4. The future of SAF pricing
One of the key challenges in the widespread adoption of SAF is the current price gap between sustainable and traditional jet fuel.
However, Samartzis remains optimistic about LanzaJet’s pricing. He believes that as the production volumes increase and economies of scale come into play, the cost gap between SAF and traditional jet fuel is expected to narrow, making SAF more accessible and attractive to airlines and flyers.
“[LanzaJet’s technology] is not that much more expensive than fossil fuel. So when you think about that spectrum of 2x to 7x [more expensive], we’re on the low end of that spectrum of cost, compared to fossil fuel. When you when we look at the plants that we’re now engineering that are larger scale, larger capacity units, we see a significant improvement in the cost profile of that SAF that we produce,”
5. Engaging airlines and consumers in SAF adoption
Samartzis acknowledges the competitive nature of the airline business and the difficulty in passing on the additional costs of SAF to consumers. He suggests that the willingness to pay for more sustainable options varies across markets and that there is still a need for a shift in consumer mindset, particularly in regions where the impacts of climate change are less visible.
“I think airlines are legitimately in a bit of a tough spot. Even if you have the energy to do it as an airline, how do you step forward, introduce additional costs to your already burdened mile, and still be competitive? Do consumers value sustainability enough to say, ‘I want to fly on that more sustainable airline instead of the other one’? I think that’s where it’s still shifting. I don’t think we’re there yet where consumers are willing to make that choice.”
‘Sustainability in the Air’ is the world’s leading podcast dedicated to sustainable aviation. Through in-depth conversations with top aviation leaders, we break through the clutter and provide a clear roadmap for a net-zero future.
