Chicago – LanzaJet, a trailblazer in sustainable fuel technology, has received a strategic investment from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of Japan’s premier financial institutions. With total assets amounting to approximately $2.9 trillion, MUFG’s investment marks a pivotal step in LanzaJet’s mission to decarbonize the aviation industry through its proprietary ethanol-to-SAF process technology.
“We continue to build a leading team of investors along the SAF value chain who believe in LanzaJet’s ability to decarbonize aviation, which will both address climate change and enable the global economy,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet. “The investment from MUFG further enables LanzaJet’s efforts to scale SAF production, with one of the world’s leading financial groups enabling the development of infrastructure globally.”
MUFG’s contribution is part of LanzaJet’s ongoing $100 million growth equity funding round, which has garnered support from prominent global companies. Recent investors include Southwest Airlines, Microsoft, and Groupe ADP. This funding round underscores the growing confidence in LanzaJet’s ability to pioneer sustainable fuel solutions.
“MUFG is deeply committed to redefining the future of finance by prioritizing innovative and sustainable industry solutions. Our strategic support for LanzaJet is a prime example of this commitment,” said Koichiro Oshima, Managing Executive Officer, Head of Financial Solutions Group, MUFG Bank, Ltd. “By investing in sustainable pathways, we aim to ensure the resilience and success of our stakeholders, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
LanzaJet’s flagship project, the Freedom Pines Fuels biorefinery, is the world’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-SAF plant. This facility, located in the United States, is set to produce both SAF and renewable diesel from low-carbon and sustainable ethanol, achieving the prestigious International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). This biorefinery represents a significant leap forward in sustainable aviation fuel production and serves as a model for future industry developments.
MUFG’s investment not only accelerates LanzaJet’s technological advancements but also positions MUFG as a key player in the sustainable energy sector. The partnership exemplifies MUFG’s broader commitment to sustainable finance and environmental stewardship.
“This partnership not only aligns with our mission to drive progress but also showcases our dedication to catalyzing positive change,” Oshima added. “By investing in sustainable pathways, we aim to ensure the resilience and success of our stakeholders, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
LanzaJet’s growing portfolio of investors includes All Nippon Airways (ANA), Breakthrough Energy, British Airways, Groupe ADP, LanzaTech, Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Mitsui & Co., Shell, Southwest Airlines, and Suncor Energy. Each partner brings unique strengths and resources, collectively supporting LanzaJet’s vision of a decarbonized aviation sector.
“The investment from MUFG further enables LanzaJet’s efforts to scale SAF production, with one of the world’s leading financial groups enabling the development of infrastructure globally.”
About LanzaJet: LanzaJet is at the forefront of sustainable fuel technology, dedicated to accelerating the global transition to clean energy. With its patented ethanol-based alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, LanzaJet is paving the way for sustainable aviation fuels, addressing the climate crisis, and transforming the global economy.
About MUFG: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is a global financial leader with a rich history spanning over 360 years. Headquartered in Tokyo, MUFG operates in over 40 countries with a diverse range of financial services. The group is committed to fostering sustainable growth and serving society through innovative financial solutions.
