Gevo announced that its ethanol-to-olefins technology for producing transportation fuels has secured a U.S. patent, further solidifying the company′s intellectual property position in the ethanol-to-jet fuel sector.

This process can convert ethanol into olefins such as ethylene and propylene, which can be used to produce transportation fuels like sustainable aviation fuel and renewable chemical intermediates such as bio-propylene. According to Gevo, compared with existing technologies, this patented process can reduce capital and operating costs by 35%, potentially improving the economic viability of non-hydroprocessed ester fatty acid-based sustainable aviation fuels and alleviating the current industry challenges of high costs and thin margins.

In terms of technological cooperation, Gevo is collaborating with LG Chem to develop renewable chemical applications for this technology, while partnering with Axens Group and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development to advance fuel production.

As decarbonization regulations in the European and American aviation industry tighten, the supply of traditional hydrogenated ester-based fatty acid feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuels has garnered significant attention. Technologies such as alcohol-based jet fuel are seen as crucial supplements. Gevo has incorporated this technology into its long-term strategy, integrating ethanol production facilities with carbon capture infrastructure in its North Dakota project to create a demonstration model that combines sustainable aviation fuel production with carbon emission reduction benefits.