CleanJoule, a leading innovator in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), is poised for significant growth in 2025, following a transformative year of achievements and milestones. In 2024, the company demonstrated its commitment to revolutionizing the aviation and aerospace industries by making substantial progress across multiple fronts. CleanJoule’s advancements include entering the ASTM International certification process for its groundbreaking CycloSAF™ fuel, unveiling the cutting-edge SpaceSAF™ biofuel for rocket propulsion, and expanding its operational capabilities with the establishment of a demonstration manufacturing plant in Salt Lake City, Utah.
A Vision for Sustainable Aviation
CleanJoule’s mission centers on addressing the pressing need for sustainable aviation fuel as air travel continues to grow rapidly. According to Mukund Karanjikar, CEO and Founder of CleanJoule, the aviation industry’s reliance on petroleum-based Jet A fuel poses significant challenges, including limited supply and environmental impact.
At the rate at which air travel is growing, the current petroleum-based Jet A supply can simply not keep up. The industry requires more sources of aviation fuel, and the United States has more than a billion tons of biomass that can be converted to meet this need through domestic production,” said Karanjikar. “We are proud to be at the forefront of bringing advanced, scalable aviation fuels to market and driving domestic job creation, supply chain resiliency, and national security as a result.”
Key Achievements in 2024
Entry into ASTM Certification for CycloSAF™
One of CleanJoule’s most notable achievements in 2024 was the entry of CycloSAF™ into ASTM International’s rigorous certification process. CycloSAF™ is a revolutionary sustainable aviation fuel that boasts a 10% higher energy density than conventional Jet A fuel. This milestone represents a critical step toward the commercialization of CycloSAF™ as a drop-in solution for the aviation industry. Unlike many alternative fuels, CycloSAF™ requires no changes to existing aviation infrastructure, making it a practical and impactful choice for reducing carbon emissions.
The ASTM certification process is renowned for its stringent testing and evaluation standards. Successfully navigating this process will not only validate CycloSAF™ but also enhance its adoption and scalability within the aviation sector. CleanJoule is actively collaborating with key stakeholders to advance this initiative, which promises to transform the way aviation fuel is sourced and utilized.
Launch of SpaceSAF™ for Space Exploration
Another groundbreaking achievement for CleanJoule in 2024 was the launch of SpaceSAF™, a high-performance biofuel designed to replace Rocket Propellant-1 (RP-1). SpaceSAF™ is engineered to deliver superior performance for rocket propulsion systems while addressing the growing demand for sustainability in the aerospace industry. With 4% greater energy density than RP-1, SpaceSAF™ offers a compelling alternative that reduces the carbon footprint of space missions.
The introduction of SpaceSAF™ marks a significant step forward in advancing sustainable space exploration. By providing a biofuel that meets the stringent performance requirements of rocket propulsion, CleanJoule is enabling the aerospace industry to pursue ambitious exploration goals without compromising environmental responsibility. This innovative product underscores CleanJoule’s commitment to driving sustainability across all sectors of transportation.
Establishment of a Demonstration Manufacturing Plant
To support its mission of scaling sustainable aviation fuel production, CleanJoule renovated an existing factory into a state-of-the-art demonstration manufacturing plant in Salt Lake City, Utah. This facility represents a major leap forward in CleanJoule’s operational capabilities, with a production capacity of up to 60,000 gallons of CycloSAF™ per year. The plant will serve as a model for future full-scale production facilities, ensuring that CleanJoule is prepared to meet growing demand once CycloSAF™ receives ASTM approval.
The Salt Lake City plant is more than just a production facility; it’s a hub for innovation and collaboration. By creating a space where advanced manufacturing techniques can be refined and scaled, CleanJoule is laying the groundwork for a robust and resilient supply chain for sustainable aviation fuels. This development aligns with the company’s vision of enabling a cleaner, greener future for air travel.
Strengthening Partnerships with the Department of Defense
In 2024, CleanJoule was selected as an awardee by the Department of Defense’s Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program. This prestigious recognition underscores CleanJoule’s role in bolstering domestic supply chains through bioproduction infrastructure. By partnering with the Department of Defense, CleanJoule is contributing to national security and supply chain resiliency while advancing its mission of sustainable energy expansion.
Building on its 2024 achievements, CleanJoule is setting its sights on an ambitious agenda for 2025. The company plans to construct its first full-scale manufacturing plant in the United States, a move that will significantly increase its capacity to produce sustainable aviation fuel. This facility will play a crucial role in meeting the aviation industry’s growing demand for clean energy solutions.
CleanJoule’s focus on energy expansion is underpinned by its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company’s efforts to develop advanced biofuels not only address the environmental challenges associated with aviation and space exploration but also create opportunities for domestic job growth and economic development. By leveraging the vast potential of biomass as a renewable resource, CleanJoule is driving a paradigm shift in the way energy is produced and consumed.
The Future of Clean Energy in Aviation and Beyond
As the world grapples with the twin challenges of climate change and energy security, CleanJoule’s pioneering work in sustainable aviation fuel offers a beacon of hope. The company’s achievements in 2024 demonstrate its ability to innovate, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving industry. From the skies to the stars, CleanJoule is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
With its unwavering focus on delivering impactful energy solutions, CleanJoule is not just meeting the demands of today’s aviation and aerospace industries but also shaping the future of clean energy. As 2025 approaches, the company is well-positioned to achieve even greater success, cementing its status as a leader in sustainable fuel innovation.