Southwest Airlines Co. has acquired SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC. This acquisition is a part of the airline’s subsidiary, Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures, LLC, which focuses on securing scalable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“This acquisition marks Southwest’s transition from investor to sole owner of SAFFiRE, expressing our confidence in SAFFiRE’s technology and its potential to advance our sustainability goals as well as the goals of the broader industry,” said Bob Jordan, President & CEO of Southwest Airlines.
“Championing SAF is a key pillar of Southwest’s Nonstop to Net Zero plan and our work toward a more sustainable future for air travel. We look forward to continuing our journey with SAFFiRE as part of our efforts to propel this promising technology forward.”
SAFFiRE, backed by the Department of Energy, is pioneering the conversion of corn stover into renewable ethanol, a key component in SAF production. The technology, developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is set to be deployed at a pilot plant in Liberal, Kansas, aiming to process 10 tons of corn stover daily.
The move follows Southwest’s recent investment in LanzaJet, a leader in SAF technology, marking a significant commitment by the airline to environmental sustainability and innovation in aviation fuel.
“Renewable ethanol is an important feedstock to realizing high-volume, affordable SAF, which is a critical part of the journey to net zero carbon emissions,” said Tom Nealon, President of SARV and CEO of SAFFiRE.
“We are enthusiastic about the ethanol-to-SAF pathway and SAFFiRE’s potential ability to produce renewable ethanol at a scale that is economically viable.”
The acquisition of SAFFiRE Renewables by Southwest Airlines is expected to have a significant impact on the airline’s operations, particularly in advancing its sustainability goals. Here are some key points:
The move underscores Southwest’s commitment to sustainability and its Nonstop to Net Zero plan, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Utilizing technology from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the acquisition will enable Southwest to produce renewable ethanol at scale, which is crucial for high-volume, affordable SAF.
The production of SAF from renewable ethanol could lead to a reduction in carbon intensity compared to conventional jet fuel, potentially becoming carbon negative with further process improvements and carbon capture.
The focus on economically viable production scales could result in cost savings and more competitive pricing for the airline.
By investing in SAF technology and production, Southwest positions itself as a leader in the transition to sustainable aviation, influencing industry standards and practices.
Overall, this strategic acquisition is poised to enhance Southwest Airlines’ environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and long-term economic sustainability.