Scaling the Sky: Why the Partnership Between Twelve and IHI Power Services is the Secret Ingredient for e-SAF Success

---

The aviation industry is at an inflection point. As the world pushes toward net-zero, the challenge of decarbonizing flight remains one of the "hardest to abate" sectors in existence. But in Moses Lake, Washington, the future isn’t just being discussed—it’s being built.

Twelve’s first-of-a-kind (FOAK) demonstration-scale facility, AirPlant™ One, is set to produce E-Jet® fuel, a power-to-liquid e-SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) made from CO2, water, and renewable energy. However, building a revolutionary technology is only half the battle. To transform a breakthrough into a reliable, long-term energy source, you need more than just chemistry; you need operational excellence.

That is where our partnership comes in. As the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) partner for Twelve™, IHI Power Services (IHI) is the bridge between a visionary technology and a high-performing industrial reality.

The Mobilization Phase: Building the Foundation

For the past year, our teams have been deeply embedded in the "Mobilization Phase." While the physical plant was rising from the ground in Moses Lake, we were building the "human engine" required to run it.

Transitioning from a development project to a live industrial site is a complex evolution. Our role has been to ensure that on Day 1 of commercial operations (COD), the facility doesn't just run—it thrives. Our mobilization efforts have focused on four critical pillars:

1. Recruiting the Pioneers

We have hand-selected a team of over a dozen specialists who possess the unique blend of technical skill and "start-up" adaptability required for a FOAK facility. These aren't just operators; they are the first generation of e-SAF technicians who are learning to manage Twelve’s proprietary carbon transformation technology at scale.

2. Rigorous Safety & Compliance (PSM)

Because this technology is the first of its kind, standard "off-the-shelf" safety manuals and programs don't apply. We have conducted extensive Process Safety Management (PSM) expert reviews, working alongside Twelve’s engineers to identify risks and build safeguards. We’ve contributed in the development of custom Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs), in conjunction with standard operating procedures (SOPs), that prioritize the well-being of our staff and the surrounding Moses Lake community.

3. Maintenance and Administrative Infrastructure

A plant is only as good as its uptime and ability to produce quality e-SAF in the desired quantities. We are implementing a comprehensive maintenance policies and administrative systems—from asset management software (CMMS) to compliance tracking—that provide the structure needed for a multi-decade lifecycle.

4. Plant Startup

We are currently in the most critical window of the project: the Plant startup. Our team is working side-by-side with Twelve, the Main Automation Contractor and the OEMs to support the startup activities. This phase is about validation. We are supporting starting up every piece of equipment, valve, every sensor, and every line of code to ensure the system performs exactly as engineered. Beyond the hardware, we are establishing the daily systems and routines—the "rhythm of the plant"—that ensure consistent, on-spec fuel production.

Successful production of e-SAF is a precision game. Our structured operational readiness ensures that when we hit COD, the transition is seamless, safe, and reliable.

Why This Partnership Matters

The relationship between Twelve and IHI is more than a service contract; it is a strategic alliance.

Twelve provides the innovation and stewardship—the breakthrough CO2 electrolysis and the integration of several technologies and the operational conditions that turns carbon into fuel. We support the stewardship—the industrial rigor and O&M expertise that ensures that the Plant stays online, runs safely, and provide the data to support the commercial scalability.

In the world of FOAK projects, the "Valley of Death" is often found in the gap between an effective demonstration project and successful commercial operation. By integrating O&M expertise early in the development cycle, Twelve is ensuring that their technology is grounded in operational reality.

Looking Ahead to Moses Lake’s Green Horizon

As we approach the commercial operations date in parallel with the production of on-spec fuel, the excitement in Moses Lake is palpable. We are proud to stand with Twelve as they lead the charge in bringing E-Jet® fuel to fruition.

Together, we are proving that the sky isn't the limit—it’s the destination for a more sustainable future. By combining Twelve’s revolutionary carbon transformation with IHI’s world-class operational discipline, we aren't just starting a plant; we are launching an industry.