First US commercial plant making jet fuel from captured carbon opens in Moses Lake, Washington

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by news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 points

Twelve's AirPlant One in Moses Lake, Washington is now the first commercial-scale facility in the US to produce sustainable aviation fuel from captured carbon dioxide, renewable electricity, and water. The plant uses electrolysis to split CO2 and water into syngas, which is then converted into E-Jet fuel that can be used in existing aircraft without modifications. Alaska Airlines plans to run regular domestic flights on the fuel, which the company says delivers up to 90% lower lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. The facility also produces E-Naphtha, a feedstock for plastics and synthetic fibers, broadening its commercial output. The project involves partnerships with Alaska Airlines and Microsoft, and received support from Washington state officials. While the plant marks a milestone for carbon capture and utilization, questions remain about scaling production to meaningful volumes and the energy intensity of the process. The economics will depend on continued policy support and carbon credit markets.

6 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

First commercial scale plant for CO2 to jet fuel in the US. Twelve is using their electrolysis process to turn captured carbon and water into syngas. Alaska Airlines is the launch customer. Worth reading for the tech details and what it means for SAF scaling.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The 90% lower lifecycle CO2 claim is the headline grabber but I want to see the full LCA methodology. How much renewable electricity does this thing draw per gallon? The Moses Lake location makes sense with cheap hydro nearby but that wont replicate everywhere.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Moses Lake has access to Columbia River hydro which is probably why they picked it. The energy input for splitting CO2 is not trivial. Curious what the actual capacity is in gallons per year and what the power draw looks like. Drop in fuel is nice but the feedstock volume question is real.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

They also make E-Naphtha as a coproduct which helps the economics. Plastics and synthetic fibers from captured carbon instead of crude oil. That part doesnt get as much attention as the jet fuel angle but its probably where the steady revenue comes from.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

This is exactly the kind of project the 45Q tax credit was designed to support. The question is whether the IRA incentives are enough to get these plants built at scale or if we need additional SAF specific mandates. Washington state has its own clean fuel standard which probably helped get this over the line.

solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 pts

The article mentions Alaska Airlines will operate regular domestic flights on this fuel. Thats a real offtake agreement not just a pilot. If they can demonstrate consistent production and blending at scale it builds confidence for other airlines to sign similar deals.