Airbus has solidified a strategic partnership with DG Fuels, LLC (“DGF”), an emerging leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, emphasized the pivotal role that sustainable aviation fuels play in the aviation industry’s mission to reduce carbon emissions. He expressed Airbus’ unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that facilitate the widespread availability of SAFs globally. Faury stated, “Our collaboration with DG Fuels charts a new course in technology, enabling the production of SAFs from an expanded array of waste and residual sources. We’re commencing this journey in the United States, with prospects for substantial global production.”
DGF’s groundbreaking fuel production system is rooted in the utilization of cellulosic waste materials, like wood remnants from the logging industry, in conjunction with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
DGF’s inaugural production facility aims to achieve an annual output capacity averaging 120 million US gallons (equivalent to 454 million liters) of SAF, potentially mitigating roughly 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, starting in 2026.
Michael Darcy, Chairman and CEO of DG Fuels, expressed enthusiasm for the SAF partnership with Airbus, stating, “The DGF team is thrilled to have sealed this deal with Airbus and anticipates collaborating to accelerate the establishment of the initial SAF plant in Louisiana, followed by subsequent expansions across the United States and beyond.”
This alliance aligns with Airbus’ support for DG Fuels’ ambition to initiate the equity process and make a final investment decision (FID) regarding the construction of DG Fuels’ inaugural SAF production plant in the United States, with the decision expected by early 2024. Notably, a portion of the plant’s output will benefit Airbus customers as part of this agreement.
This project dovetails with the U.S. government’s SAF Grand Challenge, a program aimed at reducing costs, enhancing sustainability, and expanding domestic SAF production. The national initiative seeks to generate 3 billion US gallons (approximately 11.3 billion liters) of domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel each year, achieving a minimum 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels by 2030. Ultimately, the goal is to satisfy 100% of projected aviation fuel consumption, equivalent to 35 billion US gallons of annual production, by 2050.
About DG Fuels:
DG Fuels is pioneering a low-CO2 lifecycle emissions synthetic fuel system founded on high-efficiency carbon conversion technology, targeting a remarkable 97% efficiency rate. Notably, DG Fuels’ innovative technology does not necessitate the development of new engines or distribution infrastructure types. This technology produces hydrogen via water electrolysis and biomass-derived carbon replacement fuels for aircraft, with potential applications in locomotives, vessels, and trucks. DG Fuels is dedicated to delivering substantial value to its customers by offering significant environmental benefits and facilitating the achievement of sustainability objectives. Their carbon-efficient solution integrates all critical components for powering, fueling, and supplying SAF to customers.
For further information, please visit https://dgfuels.com/.
About Airbus’ Sustainable Aviation Fuels Action Plan:
Sustainable aviation fuels have been identified as a pivotal element in achieving emissions reduction objectives. Since 2008, Airbus has played a vital role in the certification process, conducted demonstration flights, established partnerships, and advocated for policies promoting sustainable aviation fuels. In 2016, Airbus made history as the first aircraft manufacturer to offer SAF to customers at delivery flights. Presently, aircraft and helicopters departing from Airbus delivery centers in Toulouse and Marignane (France), Hamburg and Donauworth (Germany), Mobile (USA), and most recently Tianjin (China) are equipped with SAF. Airbus has also integrated SAF into its operations and logistics, including the fleet of Beluga aircraft since 2019. Airbus’ commercial aircraft, helicopters, and military aircraft can operate with up to a 50% SAF blend with kerosene and are on track to reach 100% SAF capability by 2030, playing a pivotal role in the aviation sector’s decarbonization journey.
