NextChem Secures Contract for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant in Nebraska Using Innovative Gasification Technology

NextChem's Groundbreaking Award for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

In a significant step towards sustainable energy, NextChem, a subsidiary of MAIRE S.p.A., has been awarded a pivotal contract by DG Fuels LLC. This contract involves early engineering, licensing, and the provision of a Process Design Package (PDP) for a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant anticipated to commence operations in Nebraska, USA, by 2029. This initiative marks NextChem's second collaboration with DG Fuels, following the successful development of a similar project in Louisiana

The Vision Behind the Project

The proposed SAF plant is set to utilize NextChem's proprietary NX Circular™ gasification technology. This innovative approach focuses on converting residual biomass into sustainable aviation fuel, addressing the pressing need for cleaner fuel options in the aviation industry. The facility is expected to produce an impressive annual yield of approximately 450 million liters of SAF. This output, when combined with the Louisiana plant’s capacity, positions the project to potentially supply about 8% of the U.S. mandate for SAF by the year 2030.

Addressing Industry Needs

The contract's early engineering and licensing phases are crucial for implementing key aspects of the gasification and gas treatment processes. These advanced units aim to process about one million tons of corn stover annually, marking a significant strategy to enhance SAF production.

The project aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Fuels Products Initiative, emphasizing the decarbonization of the aviation sector through the industrialization of SAF production. Moreover, SAF derived from biomass or waste is recognized under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), an initiative by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designed to mitigate airliners’ carbon offsetting obligations.

NextChem's Commitment to Sustainability

Fabio Fritelli, the Managing Director of NextChem, expressed enthusiasm about the project, underlining its importance within the broader context of aviation decarbonization efforts. He noted that both the Nebraska and Louisiana projects reflect NextChem's commitment to advancing circular solutions and its strategic positioning within the North American market. These initiatives are not only technologically advanced but also represent a substantial step towards achieving sustainable fuel targets set by government regulations.

MAIRE S.p.A. stands at the forefront of the energy transition, providing comprehensive solutions focusing on sustainable technologies and integrated processes for various markets. Operating in 45 countries with a workforce exceeding 9,300 people and supported by an extensive network of over 20,000 project partners, MAIRE's influence within the sector is notable, especially given that it is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'MAIRE'.

As the global demand for sustainable fuel options escalates, the successful implementation of this SAF facility has the potential not only to eliminate carbon footprints but also to reshape the aviation industry towards a more environmentally friendly paradigm. The collaboration between NextChem and DG Fuels is poised to set a benchmark for future sustainable initiatives, leading the charge in the search for renewable energy solutions.