The push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Washington took a significant step forward with a $1.5 million grant that could help SkyNRG establish a major SAF production facility at the Port of Walla Walla’s industrial park, reports Northwest Public Broadcasting.
The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded the grant to the port, funding key preliminary work such as cultural and geotechnical surveys on a 165-acre site. The project has been hailed as a substantial win for the environment, the economy, and the future of sustainable fuel.
“You always hear the term win-win, but in my thinking, this is a win-win-win-win,” said Port Commissioner Kip Kelly.
Kelly emphasized that the new facility will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, SAF can cut emissions by up to 94% compared to conventional jet fuel. The agency considers SAF to be “the only viable solution to meaningfully decarbonize our aviation sector in the near term.”
Unlike some alternative energy sources, SAF is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be used in existing aircraft without modifications. It can be derived from various biological sources, such as used cooking oil and agricultural waste. SkyNRG’s facility at Wallula Gap will produce SAF using “biogenic methane” — methane generated by organic matter, which can be captured from landfills and livestock operations.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Kelly highlighted that the facility will generate tax revenue and create well-paying jobs. SkyNRG estimates it will employ up to 600 workers during the three-year construction phase and sustain around 100 permanent jobs once operational.
Once online, the facility is projected to produce 50 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually.
The demand for SAF is poised to grow exponentially in the coming decades. The Department of Energy has set a goal of powering U.S. aviation with 100% SAF by 2050, which would require an estimated 35 billion gallons per year. Currently, SAF must be blended with traditional jet fuel, but researchers are actively working to develop fully SAF-compatible fuel.
At the state level, the Port of Seattle has set an ambitious target of having SAF make up at least 10% of the fuel used at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by 2028, totaling 60 million gallons annually. The port aims to source that fuel locally.
“This facility positions Walla Walla as a leader in sustainable aviation fuel while creating quality jobs and long-term economic benefits,” said Port Executive Director Patrick Reay. “SkyNRG’s presence underscores our commitment to innovation and attracting forward-thinking industries.”
SkyNRG aims to bring the facility online by 2029. According to the Department of Commerce, the plant could become the largest SAF production site in Washington, reinforcing the state’s role in the transition to cleaner energy solutions for aviation.
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