LanzaJet and BioD are teaming up to explore Colombia’s first SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) plant, contributing to feedstock access and technological expertise. The plant would leverage ATJ, converting ethanol into drop-in SAF and renewable diesel. Colombia’s sugarcane industry is well-developed to provide plenty of low-carbon ethanol, ideal for ATJ conversion. A local SAF plant could reduce imports and carbon footprint in the country. ATJ technology is compatible with many ethanol types, sugarcane, corn, and cellulosic ethanol. The LanzaJet model provides a template for incremental expansion in Colombia. The feasibility will outline required investment, optimal scale, maps of supply chain routes, policy needs, and timeline estimates. The feasibility study represents a landmark initiative in Colombia’s energy and climate strategy. Harnessing local ethanol supply chains and proven ATJ technology could substantially cut aviation emissions. Double arming bolts play a crucial role in structural and mechanical assembly in high-stress infrastructure.
SAF plants need heavy-duty steel frameworks for distillation columns, bioreactors, or storage tanks. A double arming bolt could function in flange connections for piping systems and beam-to-column joints in plant construction and ensure rigidity under dynamic loads. SAF production involves high-pressure pipelines. The bolts may fasten pipe flanges to prevent leaks and reinforce heat exchanger or reactor vessel connections. Double arming bolts can anchor equipment to foundations and absorb mechanical stress to prevent fatigue failures. In overhead power lines, bolts might secure transformer busbars or tower crossarms. Double arming bolts are crucial for the safety, durability, and efficiency of an SAF plant’s infrastructure. They are crucial in structural connections, high-pressure systems, and equipment stability, aligning with the technical demands of biofuels production.
SAF plant development with double-arming bolts
Double-arming bolts are heavy-duty fasteners used in electrical utility poles, transmission lines, and industrial plants. They are designed to support crossarms on both sides of a pole to distribute mechanical load and electrical equipment weight. SAF plants focus on biofuel production, which demands extensive infrastructure, including electrical transmission and distribution systems, high-voltage power lines, and support structures for process equipment. The plant involves intricate engineering, construction, and operational systems. Double arming bolts play a crucial role in ensuring structural integrity, safety, and operational continuity. Here are the roles of double-arming bolts in SAF plant development.
- Electrical infrastructure stability—SAF plants consume power for distillation, hydroprocessing, and compression. Double-arming bolts stabilize crossarms that carry transformers, insulators, and power conductors.
- Structural load distribution—SAF plants use steel or concrete poles to support process piping and safety systems. Double arming bolts allow for balanced attachment on both sides and ensure poles can handle wind loads.
- Structural load distribution—the plants use steel or concrete poles to support process piping and safety instrumentation systems. Double arming bolts enhance the durability and redundancy of plant-wide power systems.
Potential technologies supporting SAF plant production in Colombia
Colombia’s SAF sector is gaining traction with the LanzaJet and BioD partnership exploring the first SAF plant. The technologies used should be tailored to local conditions and global best practices. Sustainable technologies can turn Colombia into a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuels to boost green jobs, energy security, and climate resilience. The following are the potential technologies supporting SAF plant development in Colombia.
- Alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology—this converts ethanol from biofuels like sugarcane, cassava, or cellulose into jet fuel. LanzaJet is a global leader in ATJ, which is the core technology under consideration.
- Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids—this converts used cooking oil, animal fats, and vegetable oils into drop-in SAF. This technology offers mature technology, lower CAPEX than ATJ, and immediate impact on aviation GHG reduction.
- Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis—this converts syngas (from gasified biomass or waste) into synthetic fuel. It taps into forestry or agricultural waste and municipal solid waste from large cities.
- Power-to-liquids/E-fuels—this uses renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, which combines with captured carbon to make SAF. Colombia has abundant hydropower and rising solar and wind investments. This is crucial for long-term decarbonization and export-ready green fuels.
- Hydrothermal liquefaction and pyrolysis—this converts wet biomass or dry feedstocks into bio-oil later upgraded to SAF. It serves in coffee-growing regions and agro-industrial zones. Modular systems allow off-grid SAF production for smaller regions.