Conestoga Energy acquires SAFFiRE Renewables to advance biofuels & SAF

American biofuel maker Conestoga Energy has acquired SAFFiRE Renewables which is a process technology company that enables production of ultra-low carbon intensity ethanol and intermediates, from Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures LLC.

The official statement held that the acquisition includes all intellectual property, certain related technologies, the proposed pilot production facility, as well as key leadership team members, enabling Conestoga to further capitalize on the growing demand for reliable renewable fuels, including but not limited to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

With this acquisition, Conestoga will leverage the exclusive license of SAFFiRE for Deacetylation and Mechanical Refining (DMR) pretreatment technology developed at NREL to convert corn stover, a widely available agricultural by-product in the USA into ethanol with a carbon intensity (CI) score less than negative 100. SAFFiRE pilot production facility will be co-located at Conestoga’s Arkalon Energy plant in Liberal, Kansas, and is expected to be operational in 2026.

Conestoga will advance plans for commercial-scale production facilities based on efficiencies gained at the pilot facility.

SAFFiRE’s proprietary production process converts a variety of abundant agricultural feedstocks into low-carbon intermediates for multiple end products, including low carbon ethanol used for SAF production.

Tom Willis, CEO of Conestoga Energy, said, “The IP acquired in this transaction will provide us with tremendous optionality not only as it relates to SAF feedstock production, but across our operations. The momentum behind low CI fuels is undeniable, driven by regulatory requirements, corporate commitments, and environmental necessity, and this acquisition is reflective of our commitment to delivering the lowest carbon biofuel solutions while creating new value streams for rural communities across America.”

In addition to all IP and existing technologies, key employees will be transitioning to Conestoga as part of the acquisition, including Chief Technology Officer Marykate O’Brien and Nitin Kolhapure, Director of Engineering.

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Conestoga’s recent completion of drilling operations for its first Class VI well, a major milestone in the Company’s carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) strategy.