Gevo, Haush to partner in European SAF development projects

Gevo Inc. and Haush Ltd., a European-based leader in renewable energy projects, announced in mid-September that they have entered into an agreement to explore developing ethanol and ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) facilities and business opportunities in Europe.

The agreement is expected to be a precursor to a full joint venture should both parties determine the right business opportunity exists.

The companies are exploring potential production locations in Portugal, the U.K. and Germany.

“The aviation market and Europe need reliable, cost-effective and sustainable fuel that can only be successfully supplied by bringing together the right commercial partners, government and local support,” said Andy Shafer, Gevo’s chief customer, marketing and brand officer. “The combination of Gevo and Haush brings together two organizations committed to bringing those communities together and meeting that need.”

The companies are exploring options for ethanol sourcing and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant development for the purpose of producing and selling SAF in Europe.

The goal is to target projects that deliver EU ReFuel-compliant SAF.

“Gevo is the leader in cost-effective, proprietary ATJ-30 modular plant design and technology with over 300 patents in the field and has produced ethanol-to-jet SAF from a variety of feedstocks since 2012,” Haush stated. “Gevo has also developed SAF business-system capabilities to scale the technology globally including site evaluation and decarbonization services, carbon tracking and verification, and support for ethanol sourcing, and SAF and ethanol sales and marketing.” 

Haush said it will take the lead on European activities including the identification of specific site locations, management of the application to the European Innovation Council Accelerator program, the identification of prospective investors and development of relationships with selected fuel suppliers and blenders.

“Partnering with Gevo on SAF represents an opportunity to develop cost-effective, sustainable and secure clean energy in Europe,” said Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne. “We are looking forward to collaborating with them and leveraging our network of partners and local governments to help accelerate SAF supply for the European aviation market.”