The Carbon Revolution: Funding Fuels the Future of Sustainable Aviation

September 20, 2024, 6:40 am
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
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Location: United States, Washington, Seattle
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1932
The world is changing. The air we breathe is under siege. Carbon emissions loom like a dark cloud over our future. But a new wave of innovation is rising. Companies like Air Company and Twelve are leading the charge. They are turning carbon dioxide, a villain in our climate story, into a hero. With fresh funding, they are poised to transform the aviation industry and beyond.

Air Company, based in New York City, recently secured $69 million in Series B funding. This investment is a beacon of hope. It was led by Avfuel, a major player in the aviation fuel market. Other notable participants include Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Ventures, and Toyota Ventures. These companies are not just investors; they are allies in the fight against climate change.

The funds will be used to enhance Air Company’s carbon conversion technology. Their proprietary AIRMADE™ platform is a game-changer. It captures CO₂ and transforms it into synthetic fuels and chemicals. This process is not just innovative; it’s essential. The aviation sector is notoriously hard to decarbonize. Air Company aims to tackle this challenge head-on.

The technology has already gained traction. Partnerships with major airlines and a $65 million contract with the Defense Innovation Unit validate its potential. The goal is clear: reduce emissions in aviation and other hard-to-abate sectors. This funding is a stepping stone toward energy security and a sustainable future.

Meanwhile, Twelve, a Berkeley-based carbon transformation company, is making waves of its own. They recently raised a staggering $645 million. This funding is a strategic blend of project equity and credit facilities. TPG Rise Climate led the charge with a $400 million commitment. This capital will accelerate Twelve’s mission to defossilize manufacturing processes, starting with aviation.

Twelve’s flagship project, AirPlant™ One, is under construction in Moses Lake, Washington. This facility will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using biogenic CO₂, water, and renewable energy. The result? E-Jet® fuel with lifecycle emissions up to 90% lower than traditional fossil jet fuel. This is not just a drop in the bucket; it’s a tidal wave of change.

The aviation industry is a significant contributor to global emissions. As air travel continues to grow, so does the urgency to find sustainable solutions. Companies like Twelve are stepping up. They are not just creating products; they are reshaping the industry. Their partnerships with airlines like Alaska Airlines and International Aviation Group (IAG) signal a shift in the market.

Both Air Company and Twelve are part of a larger movement. They represent a new breed of companies focused on carbon transformation. This is not just about profits; it’s about purpose. The funding they have secured is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability.

Investors are increasingly looking for opportunities that align with their values. The funding rounds for Air Company and Twelve reflect this trend. They are not just investing in technology; they are investing in a vision for a cleaner planet. This is a shift in mindset. The future of investment is green.

The implications of these developments are profound. As these companies scale their operations, they will create jobs and drive economic growth. The transition to sustainable aviation fuels will also enhance energy security. This is a win-win scenario. The stakes are high, but the rewards are even higher.

The road ahead is not without challenges. The aviation industry must navigate regulatory hurdles and market dynamics. However, the momentum is building. With the backing of major investors and strategic partnerships, Air Company and Twelve are well-positioned to lead the charge.

The fight against climate change is a marathon, not a sprint. Every step counts. The funding secured by these companies is a significant stride forward. It signals a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The future of aviation is being rewritten, one investment at a time.

In conclusion, the rise of Air Company and Twelve marks a pivotal moment in the battle against carbon emissions. They are not just companies; they are pioneers. Their technologies have the potential to reshape the aviation industry and beyond. As they harness the power of carbon transformation, they are lighting the way toward a sustainable future. The air we breathe may soon be cleaner, thanks to their efforts. The revolution is here, and it’s fueled by innovation and investment.