SkyNRG Advances Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility in Eastern Washington: Key Regulatory Milestone Achieved

SkyNRG Clears Regulatory Hurdle for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility Near Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities, WA — In a significant step towards sustainable aviation, Dutch company SkyNRG has received the green light from the Washington State Department of Ecology for its planned sustainable aviation fuel production facility. Located southeast of the Tri-Cities, the facility is being developed by SkyNRG Americas and is poised to be a pioneering project in the U.S. aviation sector.

In early September, state officials determined that the facility would not pose significant environmental risks, although they outlined specific requirements for air and water quality and habitat mitigation for local wildlife, including the ferruginous hawk. SkyNRG officials hailed this decision as a crucial milestone, emphasizing their commitment to collaborating with state and local stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.

“This brings SkyNRG closer to realizing a first-of-its-kind facility in the U.S. that will deliver domestic sustainable aviation fuel while advancing innovation and economic opportunity to Eastern Washington and across Washington,” stated Nick Zollman of SkyNRG Americas.

The facility is set to convert gaseous feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel through advanced chemical processes. Once operational, it is expected to produce approximately 50 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel annually, with existing agreements in place for fuel sales.

While the company has not disclosed construction costs, it anticipates that the project will create up to 600 jobs during construction and approximately 100 permanent positions once production begins in 2029. This comes at a time when federal policies regarding clean energy have faced challenges; however, sustainable aviation fuel has largely remained a priority, with recent legislation extending tax credits for its production through 2029.

The chosen site in Walla Walla County offers strategic access to transportation networks and aligns with regional initiatives aimed at utilizing agricultural waste for energy production. Washington State University (WSU) has been a leader in sustainable aviation fuel research, contributing significantly to scientific literature in the field. Joshua Heyne, director of WSU’s Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, has been recognized as a leading author in this area.

The project has garnered state support, including a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Commerce as part of the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund. Joe Nguyen, director of the Department of Commerce, noted that the project aligns with Washington’s strategic growth priorities in clean technology and innovation, promising family-wage manufacturing jobs that will bolster the local economy.

SkyNRG has made adjustments to its original plans, relocating the facility within the business park to minimize environmental impacts. The new site is positioned further from the Columbia River, addressing ecological concerns raised during the review process. Additionally, the company is required to improve the intersection of Boise Cascade Road and Highway 12, contingent on state plans for highway expansion.

As SkyNRG moves forward, Zollman expressed gratitude for the support from partners and stakeholders. “Important work lies ahead as we advance a project designed specifically to meet the benchmarks set by state and local partners,” he said.

With this project, SkyNRG is not only paving the way for sustainable aviation fuel production but also contributing to the economic vitality and environmental stewardship of the Tri-Cities region.