ANDRITZ to supply biomass refining technology to SAFFiRE Renewables for SAF pilot plant

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.