Avina Clean Hydrogen is excited to announce a groundbreaking $820 million investment to establish a cutting-edge sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Southwest Illinois. Utilizing KBR’s advanced alcohol-to-jet technology, the facility is set to produce up to 120 million gallons of ASTM-certified SAF annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This initiative will play a crucial role in helping the aviation industry meet its decarbonization targets while contributing to Illinois’ clean energy objectives.
“We are thrilled to bring this transformative SAF production facility to Southwest Illinois,” said Vishal Shah, Founder and CEO of Avina Clean Hydrogen. “This project represents our commitment to developing clean fuel solutions that cut carbon emissions, create jobs, and drive the state’s clean energy economy forward. With the support of Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), this facility will position Illinois as a leader in the expanding sustainable aviation fuel market.”
The new facility will leverage the existing rail and pipeline infrastructure in Southwest Illinois, enabling the efficient transportation of SAF to major airports across the Midwest, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport. This strategic location will not only accelerate the decarbonization of the aviation sector but also provide lasting economic benefits to the region.
Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the project’s importance for Illinois:
“Illinois is proud to be at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy industry, experiencing record growth as companies continue to expand and relocate here. Avina Clean Hydrogen’s new SAF production facility will help us meet our ambitious clean energy goals by significantly reducing carbon emissions and creating new job opportunities in Southwest Illinois.”
Once operational, the facility is expected to prevent the emission of 25 million metric tons of carbon annually, marking a significant contribution toward global emissions reduction targets. In addition to its environmental impact, the project will create 157 full-time jobs and provide employment for 1,000 construction workers, generating substantial economic opportunities for the region.
Avina Clean Hydrogen’s investment is supported by the state’s Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) program, which offers competitive incentives for clean energy projects in Illinois. The project also aligns with the 2024 Economic Growth Plan, which focuses on clean energy production and sustainable manufacturing as pillars of Illinois’ future economic development.
“Clean energy and advanced manufacturing are key sectors driving Illinois’ economic growth,” said Kristin Richards, Director of DCEO. “This state-of-the-art SAF facility will not only provide good jobs for Illinois residents but also support the state’s ongoing efforts to build a cleaner, more sustainable economy.”
For detailed information and further insights, please refer to BioEnergyTimes.com, which provides the latest news about the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
