- Kansas breaks ground on the SAFFiRE biofuel plant, which will convert agricultural waste into ethanol for sustainable aviation fuel.
- Southwest Airlines aims to replace 10% of its aviation fuel with renewable alternatives by 2030, starting with this pilot project in Liberal.
- The project is expected to bring $8.6 million in economic impact and create jobs while advancing the US toward energy independence.
Kansas takes a bold step toward sustainable energy with the new SAFFiRE biofuel plant. Officials gathered Wednesday, August 28, in Liberal to break ground on the facility, which will soon convert agricultural waste into ethanol.
Southwest Airlines owns SAFFiRE, a Sustainable Aviation Fuel From Renewable Ethanol. The plant transforms leftover corn stalks and husks from harvest into ethanol. This ethanol turns into sustainable aviation fuel, reducing the carbon footprint by 83% compared to traditional jet fuel.
“We recommend collecting only about 50% of the leftover material,” said Marykate O’Brien, SAFFiRE’s Chief Technology Officer. “Leaving some behind is crucial for soil regeneration.”
Liberal will ship the ethanol to Georgia, where another plant broke ground in January and will process it into aviation fuel. The Georgia facility aims to produce 10 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually.
Southwest Airlines plans to replace 10% of its fuel with renewable alternatives by 2030. The Saffire plant, located at CONESTOGA Energy’s Liberal site, is a pilot project. The team’s goal is to test the technology and determine the best methods for scaling up.
“This project is our pilot,” O’Brien stated. “We need to prove this technology works in an integrated system and identify the right equipment before scaling up.”
The US Department of Energy provided initial funding, which Southwest Airlines matched with a 50% investment. Southwest also retains the option to purchase the ethanol produced.
Senator Jerry Moran attended the event and emphasised the importance of the project. “This plant in Liberal plays a key role in creating cleaner aviation fuel, supporting farmers, and moving the US closer to energy independence,” he stated. “China’s recent decision to cut back on sorghum imports makes projects like this even more vital for our producers.”
O’Brien highlighted the local economic benefits: “This project creates jobs in Kansas and reduces our dependence on foreign energy.”
The team plans to start construction of the pilot plant in November. The plant promises up to $8.6 million in direct and indirect economic impacts for the area. If successful, this technology could see broader adoption, further positioning Kansas as a leader in sustainable fuels.
Southwest Airlines’ push for sustainable aviation fuel reflects a broader industry trend toward reducing environmental impact. The Saffire plant represents a significant step in this effort, offering a new market for farmers and cleaner fuel for aviation.
As Kansas progresses with this project, the state will continue to play a crucial role in developing sustainable energy solutions. With its innovative biofuel production, the Saffire plant stands poised to contribute significantly to the future of aviation.