Sustainable aviation fuel startup Twelve announced $645 million of new funding, which will help it complete construction of its facility in the Eastern Washington town of Moses Lake.
In July 2023, Twelve broke ground on the plant, which will be the company’s and the state’s first commercial-scale SAF facility. The site, dubbed AirPlant One, is expected to begin operations next year.
Aviation leaders are searching for solutions to decarbonize the fossil fuel dependent sector, and many are betting on SAF. It’s the quickest near-term climate fix as the cleaner fuel can replace jet fuel in existing planes. Proponents go further, viewing it as the main answer for powering long-distance flights given the shortcomings of other clean alternatives such as batteries and hydrogen.
At AirPlant One, the startup will use liquid ethanol produced in Washington as its carbon source and hydropower from local dams for energy to produce what it calls its E-Jet fuel.
The California company has a memorandum of understanding with Alaska Airlines and Microsoft to support its fuel production.
There are multiple SAF efforts underway in Washington state.
SkyNRG is working to build a SAF facility at the Port of Walla Walla’s Wallula Gap Industrial Business Park in Eastern Washington. The startup is working with state and local agencies to get approval for the project.
Last year, Snohomish County leaders and Washington State University announced plans for the SAF Research & Development Center to support adoption of the fuel.
Despite the enthusiasm, interest and need, very little SAF is being produced so far, amounting to less than 1% of the aviation fuel used today.
PREVIOUSLY: California company breaks ground on Washington’s first commercial sustainable aviation fuel plant
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