Aether Fuels is a climate technology company founded in 2022 that focuses on producing sustainable liquid fuels for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. Aviation and maritime transport depend on energy dense fuels, and electrification alone cannot meet their operational needs at scale. The company addresses this challenge by developing technology that converts carbon from waste sources into fuels that can be used in existing engines and infrastructure without modification.

Rather than relying on a single feedstock, the company’s system is designed to process multiple carbon inputs. These include industrial off gases, captured carbon dioxide, biogas, and gases derived from municipal solid waste. By expanding the range of usable feedstocks, the technology supports broader fuel production capacity and reduces dependence on limited waste oils that are commonly used in other sustainable fuel pathways.

Aether operates in Chicago and Singapore, reflecting its intent to serve global aviation and shipping corridors, and it pairs technology development with commercial deployment so production facilities can move from pilot scale to full industrial operations.

The Aether Aurora System

Aether’s proprietary production system, known as Aether Aurora, anchors its work. The system converts diverse waste carbon streams into synthesis gas and then into finished liquid fuels through a series of integrated steps.

The process begins with feedstock preparation. Waste gases are conditioned and converted into a consistent stream suitable for chemical processing. In the next stage, the system generates synthesis gas in a single integrated reactor. This design reduces the number of components typically required in conventional setups and allows for efficient conversion of carbon into a usable intermediate product.

Once synthesis gas is produced, it moves into a Fischer Tropsch unit. This well-established industrial process converts the gas into longer chain hydrocarbons. The output includes a mixture of liquids that can be refined further. In the final stage, upgrading technology converts these intermediates into drop in fuels that meet specifications for sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and other hydrocarbon products.

Because the resulting fuels are chemically similar to conventional jet fuel, they can be used in existing aircraft engines and fuel distribution systems. This compatibility supports integration into current infrastructure without requiring extensive modifications. The company describes this attribute as a key factor in enabling broad adoption once production reaches commercial levels.

Investment and Development Milestones

Since its founding, Aether Fuels has secured multiple rounds of investment to support research, engineering, and demonstration activities. Funding has allowed the company to develop pilot facilities and validate its technology under real operating conditions.

In 2024, the company announced a Series A financing round that brought in backing from global investors with experience in energy and infrastructure. The capital supported expansion of engineering capabilities and preparation for larger scale projects. Additional funding followed in 2025 to support leadership expansion and project development efforts.

These investments are directed toward building commercial facilities that can produce sustainable aviation fuel at industrial volumes. The company continues to refine its system design to support cost effective deployment while maintaining high performance standards. Partnerships with engineering firms and industrial operators contribute to the transition from demonstration projects to operational plants.

The company’s development strategy also reflects alignment with international aviation standards for sustainable fuel certification. Meeting these standards is essential for market acceptance and airline procurement programs. By designing its system to produce certified fuels, the company positions its output for use in commercial flight operations once facilities are online.

Commercial Projects and Global Expansion

Aether Fuels has announced plans for its first commercial facility in Singapore, a location that serves as a major aviation hub and global shipping center. The project, known as Project Beacon, is being developed in partnership with regional infrastructure providers and industry stakeholders.

The planned facility is designed to convert local waste carbon streams into sustainable aviation fuel. Once operational, it is expected to produce thousands of metric tons of fuel annually. The project represents a transition from laboratory validation to full scale industrial production.

Singapore was selected due to its established energy infrastructure, regulatory support for sustainable fuels, and proximity to major airline customers. The company has engaged with aviation partners to explore long term supply agreements that would support fuel offtake once production begins. These discussions reflect growing demand among airlines seeking to integrate lower carbon fuels into their operations.

Beyond Singapore, the company is evaluating additional opportunities in regions where industrial emissions and waste gases are available for conversion. By leveraging modular system design, Aether Fuels intends to replicate facilities in multiple locations over time, adapting to regional feedstock availability and regulatory frameworks.

Industry Context and Future Growth

Global aviation and shipping sectors face increasing requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel is widely viewed as one of the primary tools available to lower lifecycle emissions in these industries. However, scaling production remains a challenge due to limited feedstock availability and high production costs.

Aether Fuels works to address these constraints by expanding the pool of usable carbon sources. The Aether Aurora system is designed to convert materials that would otherwise be emitted or discarded into valuable fuel products. This model supports circular use of carbon and creates a pathway for industrial emissions to become part of a fuel production cycle.

The company continues to invest in research, engineering, and partnerships to prepare for commercial deployment. As facilities move toward operation, production volumes are expected to increase in stages. The long-term vision includes supplying airlines, shipping operators, and other customers with certified sustainable fuels that integrate into existing logistics networks.

By focusing on waste carbon conversion and scalable industrial design, Aether Fuels is working to establish a production pathway that aligns with global demand for lower carbon liquid fuels. Development efforts reflect a broader shift across energy and transportation sectors toward fuels derived from alternative feedstocks. As projects progress, the company plans to move its technology from demonstration environments to commercial deployment while supporting industry efforts to reduce emissions through sustainable fuel adoption.

Conor Madigan, Founder & CEO, Aether Fuels