Zero Petroleum searches for North American site for eFuels facility, R&D hub

Zero Petroleum announced June 3 plans to identify locations for its first North American synthetic fuels production facility and dedicated R&D center.

This initiative marks the next phase of Zero’s U.S. growth following its establishment of a Santa Monica-based headquarters in 2023 and the assembly of its executive leadership team, led by Paddy Lowe, founder, and Anna Danshina, co-founder and chief marketing officer.

The company will evaluate sites across the United States, prioritizing regions aligned with sustainability practices and infrastructure.

Since launching its U.S. operations in 2023, Zero Petroleum said it has solidified its North American presence.

The company established its regional headquarters in Santa Monica, California, and built an executive leadership team with expertise in energy innovation, sustainability and industrial scaling.

Now, Zero said it is advancing its mission to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors by seeking a U.S. location for a new synthetic fuels production plant and integrated R&D hub.

Zero’s exploratory committee will assess potential locations based on:

• Renewable energy infrastructure: Access to abundant wind, solar or other renewable power sources critical to 100 percent clean operations.

• Sustainability-focused policies: Alignment with state and local decarbonization incentives, green-manufacturing initiatives and emissions-reduction targets.

• Collaborative ecosystems: Proximity to academic institutions, national labs and industry partners to accelerate R&D breakthroughs.

• Transportation and workforce advantages: Strong logistical networks and a skilled talent pool to support high-tech manufacturing.

The future facility will expand on the model of Zero’s U.K. plant, which the company said has redefined synthetic fuel production through:

• Carbon-negative synthesis: Proprietary technology combining renewable energy, atmospheric CO2 capture, and water to create fully circular fuels and petrochemicals.

• Net-zero operations: 100 percent renewable-powered processes with zero reliance on fossil feedstocks.

• Scalable modular design: Flexibility to ramp production to meet demand.

The U.S. site will additionally house advanced R&D capabilities to accelerate next-generation fuel formulations and process efficiencies.

“Our U.S. journey began in 2023 with a commitment to embed Zero’s mission into the heart of North America’s energy transition,” Lowe said. “With our headquarters and leadership team firmly established, we’re poised to take the next step—building a flagship facility that combines large-scale production with breakthrough R&D. By choosing a location rooted in sustainability, we’ll ensure this plant becomes a cornerstone of America’s clean-energy infrastructure.”

Danshina added, “This expansion isn’t just about scaling production—it’s about fostering partnerships with communities that share our vision for a fossil-free future. The U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with innovators, policymakers and consumers who are driving the sustainability revolution. Our new facility will not only deliver cutting-edge fuels but also serve as a hub for inspiring the next wave of climate action.”

Zero’s team will engage with policymakers, community leaders and sustainability stakeholders over the coming months.

A shortlist of potential locations is expected by the third or fourth quarter this year, with a final decision to follow.