Spero Renewables
Updated: January 27, 2026
The team
Country: USA | Add Funding
Founded: 2018
Website: https://www.sperorenewables.com
Spero Renewables is developing a "green chemistry" technology for converting plant waste into fuel. Unlike traditional biofuel production processes, which focus on cellulose, which can be fermented into ethanol, Spero focuses on lignin - biopolymer that helps trees grow tall and transport water from their roots to their crowns (known for its resistance to degradation). Lignin is typically burned to produce its calorific value during biomass processing, but Spero has found out how to break down lignin into its molecular components and produce biofuels compatible with gasoline and jet fuel, as well as building blocks that can be used in renewable plastics and renewable materials instead of petroleum products. The company has a partnership with energy giant Shell.
Founded: 2018
Website: https://www.sperorenewables.com
Spero Renewables is developing a "green chemistry" technology for converting plant waste into fuel. Unlike traditional biofuel production processes, which focus on cellulose, which can be fermented into ethanol, Spero focuses on lignin - biopolymer that helps trees grow tall and transport water from their roots to their crowns (known for its resistance to degradation). Lignin is typically burned to produce its calorific value during biomass processing, but Spero has found out how to break down lignin into its molecular components and produce biofuels compatible with gasoline and jet fuel, as well as building blocks that can be used in renewable plastics and renewable materials instead of petroleum products. The company has a partnership with energy giant Shell.
