Lydian launches hydrogen jet fuel initiative with new headquarters in Charlestown. Key points. * Lydian opens a 25,000-square-foot office in Charlestown to focus on hydrogen jet fuel development. * The startup aims to commercialize low-emissions jet fuel by 2028 using innovative technology. * CEO Joe Rodden plans to double the workforce by 2026, attracting talent from Boston's universities. * Lydian aims to pioneer clean aviation fuel using an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water. Lydian, an aviation fuel startup, recently relocated to Charlestown, Massachusetts, establishing its new headquarters in Hood Park. The firm, which specializes in developing low-emissions hydrogen jet fuel, announced its departure from the Engine incubator in Cambridge to accommodate its growth. With a current workforce of 20, Lydian is ambitious, aiming to double its number of employees by 2026. The company was founded in 2021 by CEO Joe Rodden and co-founder Branko Zugic, who previously led a battery technology firm. The company's innovative approach involves using an electrolyzer to extract hydrogen from water, which is subsequently combined with carbon dioxide to create sustainable jet fuel. This process not only emphasizes Lydian's commitment to low-emission solutions but also addresses the broader goal of reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint. Rodden expressed confidence that, despite the challenges, Lydian can commercialize its hydrogen jet fuel technology by 2028. Lydian is positioned among other 'tough tech companies' based in Hood Park, which is owned by the Kaneb family. Notable neighbors include Solid BioSciences and Indigo Ag. Rodden is particularly enthusiastic about Boston's ecosystem, citing the city's rich pool of talent from local universities and research labs, which he believes gives Lydian a significant competitive advantage in recruiting skilled professionals. In addition to its new office, Lydian has announced the establishment of a pilot demonstration lab in North Carolina, which will serve as a testing ground for their technology. Rodden believes that the presence of innovative startups like Lydian will not just help in attracting talent to Boston but also stimulate interest in industrial climate-tech solutions in the region. The venture is backed by several venture capital firms, including Congruent Ventures, Galvanize Climate Solutions, and Union Square Ventures, highlighting investors' growing interest in clean technology solutions. This relocation signifies more than just a physical move; it positions Lydian at the forefront of developing sustainable aviation fuel, potentially transforming the industry's approach to reducing emissions. As Lydian continues to develop its technologies, it aims to play a crucial role in the energy transition within aviation, contributing positively to environmental goals while fostering innovation in Boston. Charlestown, United States

Company also received DARPA award to develop prototype technology for defense applicationsCAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lydian , the electric fuels company, today announced the successful pilot demonstration of its technology for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for commercial and defense applications. The pilot plant, which can produce up to 25 gallons of fuel per day, is located at RTI International in North Carolina. This milestone was achieved within three years of the company's founding and with only a fraction of capital typically associated with SAF demonstrations – a major achievement for both Lydian and the SAF industry. Lydian's novel process uses captured CO 2 , water, and renewable electricity to produce a drop-in alternative for today's fossil-based jet fuel, with up to 95% lower emissions."In less than three years, we've moved from concept to pilot, which marks a pivotal step towards our long-term goal of decarbonizing aviation," said Joe Rodden, CEO and co-founder of Lydian. "This pilot showcases the viability of our novel technology to produce SAF and our ability to scale towards commercial production in record time."Lydian's power-to-liquids (PtL) technology is part of a growing evolution within the SAF industry that has seen PtL approaches gain traction due to highly accessible and scalable feedstock (waste CO 2 emissions) and minimal land and water usage compared to biofuels