In a statement March 9, Gevo said it's ATJ fuel is manufactured at its demonstration biorefinerty in Silsbee, TX, using renewable isobutanol produced its Luverne, MN plant. It sais the Silsbee biorefinerty is operated with South Hampton Resources.

Gevo said NASA has, over the past several years, been studying the effects of alternate biofuels on engine performance, emissions and aircraft-generated contrails at altitudes typically flown by commercial airliners. The results from recent tests, Gevo said, showed that a blend of renewable jet fuel and standard jet fuel significantly reduced emissions while not affecting flight operations.

"Gevo's patented ATJ fuel is a true drop-in fuel, designed to be fully compliant with aviation fuel specifications and provide equal performance, including fit-for-purpose properties and engine compatibility," said Dr Patrick Gruber, Gevo's CEO. "It is exciting to be working with NASA, a true leader in innovation worldwide.

He said partners such as the U.S. military and Lufthansa, through testing initiatives, are looking to certify Gevo's ATJ and accelerate full-scale commercialization.

"ATJ from Gevo's isobutanol is a clean burning, homegrown, drop-in jet fuel enabling a route to deliver aviation biofuels at scale and at a competitive cost," Gruber said.