13-10-2021

Gevo and Axens JV for ethanol-to-jet technology and sustainable aviation fuel commercial project development

Gevo Inc and Axens North America Inc, have entered into an agreement that establishes a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the commercialization of sustainable ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) projects in the United St

As part of the alliance, Axens brings technologies with over 60 related patents; engineering packages; proprietary catalysts; and certain proprietary equipment required to convert ethanol into jet fuel. Axens would also provide process guarantees for commercial ETJ projects. Gevo expects to develop, own, and operate ETJ plants to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), utilizing its expertise in renewable alcohol production and technologies; Net-Zero business model; project financing expertise; customer relationships, and contracts.

Axens has a long history of developing and commercializing best in class technology to convert olefins, such as ethylene, propylene, and butylene into hydrocarbon fuels and blend stocks such as gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel:
* > 60 commercial olefin oligomerization technology deployments
* > 30 years of commercial operation 
* Leader in the field of homogeneous catalysis research recognized by the 2005 Nobel award Prize in chemistry to IFPEN’s Yves Chauvin 
* > 60 related patents across this technology chain 

Instead of making olefins from petroleum, it is now possible to make them from ethanol and butanol, so the same commercially proven technologies can be deployed to make renewable hydrocarbon fuels.

"This agreement not only strengthens Axens existing relationship with Gevo that currently includes technology development and deployment in the isobutanol derived fuels, but reiterates Axens commitment to Gevo’s growth potential, while recognizing Axens innovative, commercially-proven, and differentiated technology bundle approach. Gevo’s approach makes it possible to decarbonize the ethanol supply chain and thus utilize technologies originally developed and well-proven for fossil-hydrocarbon production to produce renewable, drop-in fuels. Finally, we are convinced that Gevo’s breakthrough approach to scientifically tracking and accounting for carbon, emissions, and sustainability across the whole of the business system is a true differentiator that will enable growth of SAF production via carbohydrate derived alcohols" Jean Sentenac, Chief Executive Officer of Axens.

"Our customers want SAF and other low-carbon hydrocarbons sooner, rather than later. The collaboration between Gevo and Axens is expected to allow Gevo to rapidly partner with existing ethanol producers to deploy proven technologies at commercial scales consistent with the airline industry’s sustainability goals. We see that there is great potential to convert ethanol into SAF and other hydrocarbons. Additionally, there is synergy with Gevo proprietary isobutanol production technology that is expected to result in unique product blending synergies for producing low-carbon gasoline, SAF, and renewable diesel. We know from our work on the Net-Zero business model that it is possible to drive the fossil-based GHG and related emissions footprint very low or even negative while producing drop-in hydrocarbon fuels like SAF and we think the model can apply to ETJ too.

Axens is a great partner. They have a lot of patents, expertise, and a track record of success with their technologies to convert olefins into
hydrocarbons. In short, Axens de-risks the production technology. Gevo expects to build, own, and operate alcohol-to-jet plants alone or with partners. To any ethanol plant owners out there who want to change their game and get into Net-Zero type SAF and hydrocarbons, please give us a call" Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, Chief Executive Officer of Gevo.