ANDRITZ to supply refining technology for cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in the US

The pilot plant will serve as a demonstration site for SAFFiRE's innovative approach to producing ethanol from corn stover and other biomass feedstocks.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 7:11am

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ANDRITZ, an international technology group, has been selected by SAFFiRE Renewables to supply key refining technology for its new pilot plant in Liberal, Kansas that will convert agricultural residues into cellulosic ethanol. The project supports the scale-up of low-carbon fuel production for some of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, such as on-road, heavy duty, rail, marine and air transport.

Why it matters

This project reflects ANDRITZ's strategic focus on engineering solutions that enable the green transition. The cellulosic ethanol produced at the pilot plant can be an ultra-low-carbon alternative in existing markets or be further upgraded to products like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bio-materials, or bio-chemicals, helping to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.

The details

ANDRITZ will supply two refiners to mechanically pre-treat the biomass for conversion into ethanol. The order comprises a single-disc high-consistency refiner and a CompaDisTM CDI low-consistency refiner with a capacity of 10 t/d. Start-up is planned for the first quarter of 2027.

  • The pilot plant is expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2027.

The players

ANDRITZ

An international technology group that provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others.

SAFFiRE Renewables

A company that develops ultra-low-carbon ethanol and intermediates using the Deacetylation and Mechanical Refining (DMR) pre-treatment technology. SAFFiRE Renewables is part of Conestoga Energy, a renewable energy company focused on producing low-carbon biofuels and related bio-alcohol solutions.

Marykate O'Brien

The Chief Technology Officer at SAFFiRE Renewables.

Jacob Hyland

The Director of Sales & Application Fiber at ANDRITZ.

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What they’re saying

“At SAFFiRE, we are committed to scaling technologies that can unlock sustainable, domestic feedstocks for next-generation fuels and materials. ANDRITZ's refining technology is a key component of our pilot plant setup and supports our goals of utilizing domestic feedstocks to produce ethanol that can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 100% when compared to conventional gasoline or jet-fuel.”

— Marykate O'Brien, Chief Technology Officer

“Enabling the green transition through advanced technologies is core to ANDRITZ's strategy. By supporting SAFFiRE in developing sustainable fuel production, we are helping accelerate the shift toward low-carbon transportation. Our refining solutions provide a reliable foundation for utilizing agricultural residues and scaling next-generation fuels.”

— Jacob Hyland, Director Sales & Application Fiber

What’s next

The pilot plant is expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2027.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates ANDRITZ's commitment to providing engineering solutions that enable the green transition and support the development of sustainable, low-carbon fuels and materials. The cellulosic ethanol produced at the pilot plant can help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, contributing to the broader shift toward a more sustainable future.