Microsoft and Alaska Airlines launch commercial synthetic e-fuel plant in Washington state

energydigital.com

by solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 points

Microsoft and Alaska Airlines have partnered with Twelve to bring AirPlant One online in Moses Lake, Washington. This commercial-scale synthetic e-fuel plant uses captured carbon dioxide, water, and renewable electricity to produce drop-in jet fuel that cuts lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel. The facility also produces E-Naphtha for industrial use. Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund and Alaska Star Ventures helped finance the project, with offtake agreements reducing investment risk.

6 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Nice to see a commercial scale e-fuel plant actually come online. The 90% emissions reduction claim is the headline but the real story is the offtake agreements and funding structure that made it happen.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The 90% reduction number depends heavily on the carbon intensity of the renewable electricity used. Moses Lake has decent hydro and wind resources so plausible but I would want to see the full LCA.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

What is the actual production capacity in gallons per year? The article mentions commercial scale but does not give a number. Also curious about the PPA terms for the renewable electricity input.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Twelve raised $645m which is a serious amount for e-fuel. The offtake with Microsoft and Alaska Airlines de-risked construction. This is how you move from pilot to commercial if the economics hold.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The article mentions price stability from long term renewable PPAs. That is a real advantage over oil linked jet fuel. But the real test is whether e-fuel can compete without subsidies at scale.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

E-naphtha for plastics and packaging is an interesting secondary output. If the carbon capture and electrolysis costs come down this could replace fossil feedstocks in multiple sectors, not just aviation.