Innovative Plant to Transform Agricultural By-products into High-Value Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Lincoln, Nebraska – 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. 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.
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. 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. “Adding value to our region’s farm economy is a top priority and fits perfectly within Phelps County’s wheelhouse,” said Ron Tillery, Executive Director of the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC).
“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. “This project sets the tone for the types of partnerships Nebraska can and will continue to pursue,” continued Julie Bushell, who leads the Nebraska BioEconomy initiative.
“Our relationship with DG Fuels fully aligns with PCDC’s targeted industry strategy while protecting our County’s most valuable resources: the next generation of family farmers and our aquifer,” said Shane Westcott, President of the Phelps County Development Corporation. “DG Fuels’ willingness to listen and address our most critical interests exemplifies the quality of activity we hope to attract to our region. We’re open for business.”
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