Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Jurisdictions worldwide are dedicating resources to decarbonize industrial sectors, such as aviation. Transitioning from petroleum-based aviation fuels to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is imperative to meet targets of net-zero carbon emissions. Since 1988, Greenfield Global Inc. (GGI), in Chatham, Ontario, has evolved as a global leader with manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada. GGI has been producing SAF from different biogenic feedstocks, including alcohols. GGI is one of the largest producers of alcohols (e.g., butanol, ethanol) via fermentation of corn, with notable green energy production. Alongside the University of Alberta (UofA), GGI has developed a one-of-a-kind proprietary process, currently operating in Alberta, that combines the key SAF production steps including dehydration, oligomerization, and hydrogenation, all into one prototype reactor. This type of SAF production process is not possible in any other existing SAF operations right now. GGI is seeking collaboration with Lambton College on a project to exploit a recent breakthrough in their alcohols to SAF conversion research with UofA. The proposed project aims to commission an alcohols to SAF production pilot plant at Lambton, and validate its feasibility and effectiveness. The objectives are to design, construct, and commission the pilot, determine effects of process parameters (e.g., alcohols composition, recycling, temperature and pressure) on SAF yield and composition, evaluate thermal and oxidative stability and quality parameters of resulting SAF, and develop methods to isolate and analyze high molecular weight alcohols for co-product valorization. Successful completion of this project will place GGI at the industry’s forefront, generating $217.5M annually from SAF sales and $1.5B through technology licensing in Canada and the U.S. Expansion plans include global licensing, promising further revenue and recognition. The proposed pilot, with a capacity of 5,000 barrels/day, is expected to create around 250 employment opportunities, fostering economic growth and job creation. The proposed project aims to revolutionize SAF production, positioning GGI and Canada as leaders in decarbonizing aviation, contributing to leadership in SAF production and enabling Canada to join the list of global SAF leaders. The proposed project will result in export expansion, and economic and environmental benefits that are crucial to Canada’s transportation and energy sectors.