Gevo secures new U.S. patent for Ethanol-to-Olefins technology, strengthening renewable jet fuel pathways and expanding global cost-competitive clean fuel deployment.
Gevo, Inc., a prominent innovator in renewable fuels, sustainable chemicals, and carbon management solutions, has announced a significant expansion of its intellectual property portfolio with the granting of a new U.S. patent. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (United States Patent and Trademark Office) has awarded the company U.S. Patent No. 12,486,207 B2, strengthening legal protections around Gevo’s proprietary Ethanol-to-Olefins (ETO) technology and its application in renewable fuel production.
This newly issued patent broadens coverage for a variety of catalyst combinations and, importantly, provides explicit protection for the use of ETO pathways to produce transportation fuels. By reinforcing ownership over critical process innovations, the patent enhances Gevo’s ability to commercialize next-generation renewable fuels while safeguarding competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving clean energy market.
Gevo is actively advancing its ETO technology through strategic collaborations with leading global partners. For renewable chemical applications, the company is working with LG Chem, Ltd. to deploy Gevo’s next-generation ETO process. In parallel, Gevo has partnered with Axens and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) to adapt and scale the ETO technology specifically for fuel production, including sustainable aviation fuel.
The patented ETO process converts ethanol into light olefins, which are highly versatile intermediates used across the fuels and chemicals value chain. These olefins can subsequently be upgraded into finished transportation fuels through commercially proven Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technologies. This integrated pathway allows ethanol—often produced from renewable, agricultural feedstocks—to serve as a foundation for lower-carbon jet fuel and other fuel products.
Beyond fuels, the olefins generated through Gevo’s ETO platform can be used to manufacture cost-competitive renewable chemical building blocks such as bio-propylene. These materials are essential inputs for a wide range of everyday products, offering an additional revenue stream and strengthening the economic case for ETO deployment.
Technologically, ETO continues to show meaningful progress. According to Gevo, ongoing advancements are expected to reduce both capital and operating expenses by up to 35% compared to conventional approaches. Such cost reductions are critical for accelerating market adoption, particularly in sectors like aviation where price sensitivity remains a major barrier to widespread use of renewable fuels.
Commenting on the patent award, Dr. Paul Bloom, President of Gevo, emphasized the strategic importance of the development. He noted that the company is focused on creating the most efficient and scalable routes to convert ethanol into fuels and chemicals. Securing this patent not only strengthens Gevo’s proprietary technology position but also enhances a more cost-effective pathway to renewable jet fuel for both Gevo and its partners. He added that the expanding intellectual property portfolio positions the company for long-term cost leadership in ATJ-based fuel production.
Gevo expects to lead the initial deployment of its ETO technology in North America, supporting rural economic development, creating skilled jobs, and strengthening domestic renewable fuel infrastructure. On a global scale, Axens is anticipated to play a key role by offering licensing, engineering, and equipment services, enabling broader international adoption of the technology.
