ANDRITZ to supply biomass refining technology to SAFFiRE Renewables for SAF pilot plant
Type: Supply Agreement · Technology: Biomass · Country: United States · Announced: 2026-03-22
ANDRITZ secured a supply agreement with SAFFiRE Renewables to provide two biomass refining machines for a pilot plant in Liberal, Kansas, enabling the production of ultra-low-carbon ethanol from corn stover and other biomass feedstocks. The scope includes a single-disc high-consistency refiner and a CompaDis CDI low-consistency refiner, each with a 10 metric ton per day capacity, supporting SAFFiRE’s goal of reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 100% compared to conventional gasoline or jet fuel. Start-up of the pilot plant is scheduled for Q1 2027, positioning the facility as a demonstration site for cellulosic ethanol production that can be upgraded to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), biomaterials, or biochemicals. SAFFiRE, backed by Conestoga Energy, aims to scale domestic feedstock utilization for next-generation fuels, leveraging ANDRITZ’s refining technology to accelerate the green transition in low-carbon transportation. The pilot plant will serve as a critical step toward commercializing sustainable ethanol and SAF production in the U.S., with Conestoga Energy contributing its 15 years of CO2 capture and sequestration experience to the project.
Analysis
ANDRITZ has secured a supply agreement with SAFFiRE Renewables to provide two biomass refining machines, a single-disc high-consistency refiner and a CompaDis CDI low-consistency refiner, each with a 10 metric ton per day capacity, for a pilot plant in Liberal, Kansas. SAFFiRE Renewables, backed by Conestoga Energy, aims to scale domestic feedstock utilization for next-generation fuels. The pilot plant is scheduled to start up in Q1 2027, and Conestoga Energy will contribute its 15 years of CO2 capture and sequestration experience to the project. The value of the agreement was not disclosed. The deal was announced on 2026-03-22.
Key points
- 10 metric ton per day capacity for each biomass refining machine
- Q1 2027 start-up date for the pilot plant
- 15 years of CO2 capture and sequestration experience contributed by Conestoga Energy
- 2026-03-22 announcement date
- Liberal, Kansas, location of the pilot plant
Counterparties
- ANDRITZ (Supplier)
- SAFFiRE Renewables (Developer)