LanzaTech has entered into a master license agreement with Sekisui Chemical to implement a platform that converts syngas derived from municipal and industrial solid waste into ethanol. Sekisui plans to establish multiple facilities across Japan, utilizing equipment packages, engineering and advisory services, consumables, and intellectual property supplied by LanzaTech.
The initial commercial-scale facility is expected to produce between 10 to 12 kilotons of ethanol annually. This ethanol can subsequently be transformed into ethylene and kerosene, which may be used as sustainable aviation fuel.
Futoshi Kamiwaki, Sekisui's representative director and senior managing executive officer, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are pleased to expand our collaboration with longstanding partner LanzaTech, whose waste-to-ethanol technology is converting municipal solid waste into a valuable resource and providing an innovative solution to ending our reliance on fresh fossil fuels.” He added that this agreement marks a significant step toward commercializing this transformative technology and advancing the goal of a more sustainable, low-carbon society for future generations.
Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, highlighted the importance of the partnership in promoting a circular carbon economy. “Our continued collaboration is setting the groundwork for providing municipalities with a platform that reduces waste, captures carbon, generates valuable sustainable feedstocks, and importantly, creates local jobs,” she stated.
Japan generates approximately 56 million tons of combustible waste annually. With municipal and industrial waste posing significant global challenges, the World Bank projects that by 2050, global waste generation will rise to 3.88 billion tons per year, representing a 73% increase from 2020 levels.
