The US’s first on-site sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility is set to be developed at Pittsburgh International Airport, using alcohol-to-jet technology to produce more than 100 million gallons annually.
The plant will be built by US-based Avina Synthetic Aviation Fuel (Avina) and will use PureSAF, an alcohol-to-jet technology developed by Swedish Biofuels and licensed by engineering company KBR.
The technology converts alcohols – such as ethanol and propanol – into jet fuel to and cut emissions by at least 65% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, said the on-site SAF production fills a growing need for its airline partners and the overall industry.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, SAF production in the US is at around 30,000 barrels a day now and will grow slightly in 2025, with a couple of smaller projects coming online.
While no specific timeline has been disclosed, Avina plans to develop the project in phases to reach full capacity.
Despite some progress, decarbonising aviation remains a significant challenge. The sector accounts for around 11% of US transportation-related emissions and has fewer low-carbon alternatives than other modes.
