LanzaJet, a prominent player in sustainable fuels technology and production, has announced that Cosmo Oil Co. Ltd (Cosmo Oil) has been awarded a subsidy for FY2024 by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This funding will support a collaborative project with Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui) aimed at implementing LanzaJet’s cutting-edge technology. The initiative represents a major step forward in establishing large-scale domestic production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Japan, bolstering the aviation industry’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “This announcement is a pivotal moment for scaling SAF production in Japan. Our proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology is playing a crucial role in helping governments and the aviation sector worldwide achieve their sustainability and alternative fuel objectives. We are excited to collaborate with Cosmo Oil, Mitsui, and the Japanese government to drive the advancement of domestic SAF production and promote a more diverse energy future for aviation.”
With global SAF demand projected to surge, Japan has set an ambitious target to replace 10% of petroleum-based fuels with sustainable alternatives by 2030. Cosmo Oil plans to utilize LanzaJet’s innovative ethanol-to-SAF technology, combining its own expertise in plant operations, fuel quality control, and logistics with Mitsui’s strengths in ethanol sourcing. This partnership aims to develop a large-scale SAF production facility, fostering new opportunities within Japan’s expanding biofuels industry.
Once operational, the facility, located at the Sakaide Logistics Base, is expected to produce around 150,000 kiloliters of SAF and 17,000 kiloliters of renewable diesel annually, with production set to begin in 2029. This project underscores Japan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable energy solutions in the aviation sector.
