Gevo’s alcohol-to-jet fuel is approved by ASTM committee
Gevo, Inc., based in Englewood, Colo., U.S.A., announced that ASTM International Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and Subcommittee D02.J on Aviation Fuel passed a concurrent ballot this week approving the revision of ASTM D7566 (Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons) to include alcohol to jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJSPK) derived from renewable isobutanol.
As previously announced, Alaska Airlines is now poised to fly the first-ever commercial test flight using Gevo’s renewable alcohol to jet fuel (ATJ). Gevo is preparing the shipment of ATJ to Alaska Airlines for this first flight. Alaska Airlines will work with the Federal Aviation Administration to schedule the flight using Gevo’s ATJ.
The D02.J Ballot passed both the subcommittee and main committee ballot and is in the final stages of society review. The ASTM process is substantially complete as it relates to the approval of the D02.J ballot. To fully complete the ASTM process, ASTM needs to finish the society review, perform a final ballot tally, and publish the revision of ASTM D7566.These are expected to be completed by ASTM in early April.
Once the revision of ASTM D7566 is published, Gevo’s ATJ will be eligible to be used as a blending component in standard Jet A1 for commercial airline use in the United States and in many other countries around the globe. Gevo’s ATJ can be used for up to a 30% blend in conventional jet fuel for commercial flights.
“We’re pleased that this newly revised standard now supports isobutanol based alcohol-to-jet aviation biofuels and we look forward to flying it this year. Developing a domestic, competitively priced, sustainable supply of biofuels is fundamental to Alaska Airline’s long term sustainability goals,” said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airline’s senior vice president of external relations.
“For Gevo, this step is expected to open a large and significant market to Gevo around which Gevo expects to build a profitable business,” said Gevo CEO Patrick Gruber.
Gevo’s strategy is to commercialize bio-based alternatives to petroleum-based products to allow for the optimisation of fermentation facilities’ assets, with the ultimate goal of maximising cash flows from the operation of those assets. Gevo produces isobutanol, ethanol and high-value animal feed at its fermentation plant in Luverne, Minn., U.S.A. Gevo has also developed technology to produce hydrocarbon products from renewable alcohols. Gevo currently operates a biorefinery in Silsbee, Texas, U.S.A., in collaboration with South Hampton Resources Inc., to produce renewable jet fuel, octane, and ingredients for plastics like polyester.
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