US-headed Aemetis, Inc., a leading producer of renewable natural gas and renewable fuels, has announced that it has signed an offtake agreement to supply compatriot air carrier JetBlue Airways Inc. (JetBlue) with blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
According to a statement, Aemetis will supply up to 125 million (US) gallons ( ≈ 473 million litres) of blended SAF over the 10-year term of the agreement.
The fuel is to be delivered to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and other California airports
JetBlue is proud to lead the aviation industry with its climate and SAF commitments and is encouraged by the continued growth of the SAF market, which will be vital to reaching our own 2040 net-zero target, stated Robin Hayes, CEO at JetBlue.
We also recognize the value of California’s renewable fuel incentives that help grow SAF in the state. State and federal incentives encourage clean energy jobs and economic activity, demonstrating that what’s good for our environment is often good for business, Robin Hayes said,
Significant benefits
Sustainable aviation fuel provides significant environmental benefits compared to petroleum jet fuel, including a lower lifecycle carbon footprint and reduced contrails.
The blended SAF to be supplied under this agreement is 40 percent SAF and 60 percent petroleum Jet-A to meet international blending standards.
The value of the contract including incentives is approximately US$530 million and deliveries to JetBlue are scheduled to begin in 2025.
The adoption of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce the environmental impact of aviation is a significant megatrend led by JetBlue and other airlines, said Eric McAfee, Chairman, and CEO of Aemetis.
The sustainable aviation fuel is expected to be produced by the Aemetis renewable jet/diesel plant under development on a 125-acre former US Army Ammunition production plant site in Riverbank, California (CA).
Powered by 100 percent renewable electricity, the Aemetis Carbon Zero production plant at the Riverbank plant site is designed to sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the production process using injection wells, significantly reducing the carbon intensity of the renewable fuel.
Our production of SAF in California is due to the commitment by CARB to the success of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, creating new investment and jobs in disadvantaged minority communities in the state while improving the environment worldwide, ended Eric McAfee.
