DG Fuels, a U.S.-owned sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) company, in cooperation with the Nebraska BioEconomy, has selected Phelps County, Nebraska, for its first Midwest production facility, according to a news release.
The plant will produce 193 million gallons of zero or low CO2 lifecycle emissions SAF per year and meet ASTM fuel standards. Production is expected to begin in 2030.
The company previously closed on a development capital raise from Japanese investors in part to support development of a SAF plant in Louisiana.
DG Fuels’ manufacturing process uses cellulosic biomass, in the form of lower-value agricultural by-products such as corn stover, as its carbon feedstock. It also incorporates various forms of clean hydrogen feedstock to produce near-zero carbon fuel.
“DG Fuels’ baseline process differs from other systems by having little or no environmental emissions either to the atmosphere or waters while at the same time providing significant economic value to the agricultural communities and farmers that we partner with,” said Michael C. Darcy, Chief Executive Officer of DG Fuels.
The Phelps County, Nebraska region, known for its consistently productive farmland and abundant yields, stands to generate millions of dollars per year in additional on-farm income by converting corn stover into high-value SAF, according to the release. The partnership will provide 650 quality careers, offset aquifer demand by transporting water required for production via rail, offer a local community coordinator, and include a comprehensive multi-million-dollar community benefits package that will directly enhance the County’s infrastructure, quality of life, and local strategic plan.
“The Nebraska BioEconomy strategic plan focuses on delivering value at every level to Nebraskans, our aquifer, and the next seven generations who will call our great state home. This project is expected to deliver nearly $55 billion of economic impact across the State over the next 30 years,” stated Governor Jim Pillen.
