ANDRITZ Enables Development of Next Generation Biofuel Facility Focused on Sustainable Ethanol Production

ANDRITZ will supply refining technology to SAFFiRE for their cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in Kansas, USA.

(IN BRIEF) ANDRITZ has been selected by SAFFiRE Renewables to provide refining technology for a pilot plant in Kansas that will convert agricultural residues into cellulosic ethanol. The facility will demonstrate an innovative process for producing low-carbon fuels that can be used directly or upgraded into sustainable aviation fuel and other bio-based products. ANDRITZ will supply key pre-treatment equipment, with operations expected to begin in early 2027. The project supports the development of next-generation biofuels and contributes to reducing emissions in transport sectors such as aviation, marine, and heavy-duty logistics.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 20-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ANDRITZ has been selected by SAFFiRE Renewables to supply key refining technology for a new pilot plant in Liberal, Kansas, aimed at converting agricultural residues into cellulosic ethanol. The project supports the development of low-carbon fuels for sectors that are particularly difficult to decarbonize, including heavy-duty road transport, rail, marine, and aviation.

The pilot facility will serve as a demonstration site for SAFFiRE’s process of producing ethanol from biomass such as corn stover. This form of cellulosic ethanol can be used as a lower-carbon alternative in existing fuel markets or further upgraded into products such as sustainable aviation fuel, bio-based materials, and bio-chemicals.

As part of its scope, ANDRITZ will deliver two refining systems designed to mechanically pre-treat biomass prior to its conversion into ethanol. The equipment includes a single-disc high-consistency refiner and a CompaDisTM CDI low-consistency refiner, with a combined capacity of 10 tonnes per day. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027.

The collaboration reflects a shared focus on advancing technologies that enable the transition toward more sustainable energy solutions. By utilising agricultural residues as feedstock, the project aims to expand the availability of renewable fuels while significantly reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.

SAFFiRE Renewables operates as part of Conestoga Energy, a renewable energy company based in Liberal, Kansas, with two ethanol plants producing more than 175 million gallons annually. The company also brings over 15 years of experience in carbon capture and sequestration, supporting its efforts to deliver low-carbon fuel solutions.

The pilot plant is based on SAFFiRE’s Deacetylation and Mechanical Refining pre-treatment technology, which is designed to enhance the efficiency of converting biomass into advanced biofuels. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to scale next-generation fuel production and support decarbonisation across multiple transport sectors.

The order has been included in ANDRITZ’s intake for the fourth quarter of 2025, although the financial value has not been disclosed.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.

The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

Media Contact:

Susan Trast
Head of Group Communications & Marketing
susan.trast@andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ