Natural State Renewables, a future leader in carbon-negative sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), has announced a strategic partnership with Axens, a global provider of established sustainable technologies and solutions, including biomass-to-clean-fuel conversion.
This collaboration, which also involves technology partner thyssenkrupp Uhde, represents a major step forward in reducing aviation-related carbon emissions. The partners will employ BioTfueL®, an innovative and proven technology, to produce SAF using surplus forest biomass such as slash and pre-commercial thinnings. The BioTfueL® process is the result of efforts by six major players in the decarbonization space: Avril, Axens, CEA, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), TotalEnergies, and thyssenkrupp Uhde.
Natural State Renewables plans to combine various strategies — including feedstock selection, process configuration, power generation, and CO₂ capture — to produce SAF with net-negative greenhouse gas emissions, evaluated on a full life-cycle basis compared to fossil jet fuel.
Ruben S. Martin III, President and Co-founder of Natural State Renewables and a seasoned entrepreneur with over four decades of experience across energy, renewables, oil and gas, aviation, and defense, expressed strong optimism about the partnership. “We aim to build strategic alliances in both the UK and the U.S. to offer airlines scalable, realistic pathways to zero emissions,” Martin said. “Our work with Axens will help deliver dependable and innovative solutions for zero-emission air travel.”
Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens, highlighted that the partnership is the result of more than ten years of technological collaboration among Axens, thyssenkrupp Uhde, and the BioTfueL® consortium. He noted that combined with Natural State Renewables’ uniquely positioned projects, the alliance will offer carbon-negative SAF to the global aviation market, supporting the reduction of emissions from air travel.
Michael Newton, Executive Vice President and Co-founder of Natural State Renewables, emphasized that the partners’ shared commitment to sustainability will drive the creation of impactful solutions. “Our project does not compete with food resources, underscoring our dedication to environmental, social, and economic sustainability,” he said.
Clay Marbry, Senior Vice President for Project Development and also a Co-founder, added that their facilities will utilize biomass boilers for in-house power generation, promoting both energy efficiency and sustainability. He noted that Southern Arkansas and North Louisiana will serve as key locations for SAF production, bringing jobs and economic development to the regions.
