United Airlines is making strides in its efforts to promote sustainable aviation with a new investment in Twelve, a California-based cleantech company focusing on carbon transformation. Twelve aims to convert CO2 into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using renewable energy. By investing in innovative methodologies that prioritize environmental well-being, United Airlines shows its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of air travel, a move that could influence industry practices.
How Does Twelve Plan to Transform Aviation Fuel?
Twelve employs a process that merges captured CO2 with water, generating chemicals, materials, and fuels as end products. This method is sustained by renewable energy sources and results in water and oxygen as natural byproducts. According to Twelve, this innovative approach has the potential to lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90% when compared to conventional jet fuel. This significant reduction in emissions represents a critical shift towards more eco-friendly aviation options.
Will This Investment Shift the SAF Industry?
The strategic investment from United Airlines is facilitated through its Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, which was launched in 2023. Valued collectively at over $200 million, the fund also includes partners like Embraer, GE Aerospace, and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL). This financial backing is directed towards boosting the scaling of SAF supply, emphasizing research, technological innovations, and improved production processes. The fund forms part of United’s broader ambition to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions entirely by 2050 without resorting to carbon offsets.
Examining past announcements, United Airlines has consistently focused on sustainability initiatives. The airline has invested in different SAF projects and innovations, showing a clear trend towards decarbonizing air travel. This investment in Twelve aligns with United’s historic commitments to environmental sustainability. Previous collaborations have similarly aimed to minimize carbon emissions, but the current focus extends deeper into innovative technologies, indicating United’s dedication to attaining its ambitious 2050 goal.
Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures, remarked on the primary challenges faced by the SAF industry.
“Scaling the SAF industry is the major hurdle air travel needs to clear in order to increase the supply and reduce the price of lower carbon fuels. Twelve has differentiated themselves through the capital they have raised and the SAF contracts they have secured, providing them with the flexibility to commercialize their technology and grow their operations expediently.”
Twelve’s progress signifies a forward-moving industry shift, with plans set for their Moses Lake facility, AirPlant One, to commence production this year. Expected to produce 50,000 gallons of drop-in SAF annually, AirPlant One marks a pivotal step in realizing Twelve’s objectives.
Nicholas Flanders, Twelve’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized the significance of their collaboration with United Airlines.
“United’s Sustainable Flight Fund’s investment reinforces our momentum at a pivotal moment as we move from innovation to implementation. With AirPlant One launching imminently and a strong collaboration with United, we’re not just envisioning the decarbonization of air travel—we’re actively building it. Because we have the capability to deliver our E-Jet sustainable aviation fuel at scale, Twelve is proudly creating a realistic pathway to carbon-neutral aviation that meets both operational demands and climate goals.”
The partnership not only fortifies Twelve’s mission but solidifies a committed pathway to carbon-neutral aviation.
The investment in Twelve by United Airlines symbolizes a critical step toward realizing the vision of sustainable aviation through technological advancements. The new SAF advancements allow for reduced carbon reliance, mirroring previous industry efforts aimed at sustainable practices. While challenges in scaling remain, collaborative strategies between airlines and cleantech firms offer a viable path forward. Continued efforts could profoundly impact future commercial aviation, fostering both environmental and operational transformations.
