Shell invests in US-based SAF producer LanzaJet

London, (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) - Royal Dutch Shell has invested an undisclosed sum in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology company LanzaJet in a move that both hope will accelerate the roll-out of clean jet fuel.

The oil major will invest in the company that is developing alcohol to jet fuel (AtJ) technology at its plant in the US state of Georgia and joins other investors including the parent company LanzaTech, Mitsui & Co, Suncor Energy and British Airways.

"LanzaJet's technology opens up a new and exciting pathway to produce SAF using an AtJ process and will help address the aviation sector's urgent need for SAF," Anna Mascolo, president of Shell Aviation said.

As part of the deal, Shell will have the opportunity to make further investments to help the company build larger-scale production plants over the coming years, the companies said.

LanzaJet hopes to produce 10 million gallons per year from 2022 in a bid to prove technology that will help decarbonise the aviation sector.

International aviation emissions were not captured by the Paris Agreements, leaving the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to agree sector-wide emission reductions that are largely based on either offsetting emissions or decarbonising jet fuel.

The SAF that will be produced by LanzaJet is permitted to be burned in jet engines providing it is blended with at least 50% traditional aviation fuel.

LanzaJet claims its SAF can provide a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis when compared to conventional jet fuel.

Up to 90% of the fuel it produces will be classified as SAF, with the remainder renewable diesel.