USA BioEnergy (USABE) has finalized the acquisition of over 1,600 acres of land in East Texas to build a $2.8 billion advanced biorefinery. According to a press release published by the company on January 14, the facility in Bon Wier, Texas, is set to transform wood waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aligning with the aviation industry’s increasing demand for ultra-low-carbon solutions. The project is underpinned by a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines, emphasizing the industry’s shift toward decarbonized air travel.
The biorefinery will process one million tons of sustainably sourced forest thinnings annually, generating 65 million gallons of net-zero transportation fuel, including SAF and renewable naphtha. Once blended with conventional jet fuel, the SAF is expected to yield the equivalent of 2.59 billion gallons of net-zero fuel over the agreement’s duration, helping to avoid 30 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. According to USABE, this output could enable approximately 112,000 short-haul or 7,000 long-haul net-zero flights per year, significantly advancing the aviation sector’s sustainability efforts.
USABE leadership expressed that the development reflects the company’s commitment to energy security and the future of sustainable aviation. The CEO, Nick Andrews, also highlighted the economic benefits for Newton County, including job creation and support for the local forestry industry. The company noted that the initial 300-acre plant footprint provides ample room for future expansion, with construction anticipated to take two years, followed by a commissioning period of six to eight months.
The project has received substantial backing, including approximately $150 million in state, county, and federal incentives. Local organizations such as the Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Forest Country Partnership have also pledged their support. USABE emphasized that the biorefinery would sequester over 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over its operational lifetime. Through its subsidiary, Texas Renewable Fuels, the company aims to develop a series of 12 biorefineries across the U.S., showcasing its dedication to advancing renewable energy technologies and reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels.
About Bon Wier, Texas Biofuels Plant:
The Bon Wier, Texas biofuels plant is a project being developed by Texas Renewable Fuels, a subsidiary of USA BioEnergy, to help supply the growing global market for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by converting sustainably sourced forest thinnings into SAF. The new state-of-the-art biorefinery will bring economic benefits to the region, including 200 new permanent jobs and tax revenue in Newton County and the surrounding counties, boost the local forestry industry and produce advanced low-carbon transportation fuel that contributes to our nation’s energy independence.
About USA BioEnergy:
USA BioEnergy is a renewable fuels development and integration group headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a project pipeline across the southern U.S. USA BioEnergy plans to create ultra-low carbon sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha from sustainably sourced forest thinnings. USA BioEnergy intends to lead in the energy transition by consecutively developing a series of 12 advanced biorefineries. USA BioEnergy will capture and sequester over 50 million tons of CO2 over the useful life of each advanced biorefinery. Achieving the targeted carbon capture will give the resulting fuel one of the lowest carbon intensity scores in the industry for directly replacing fossil transport fuels. All advanced biorefineries are being designed using bankable-proven technology from world-renowned providers in gasification, Fischer-Tropsch, and hydrocarbon upgrading. The company’s definitive purpose is to be the world’s leader in advanced biofuels. For more information about USA BioEnergy, e-mail Solutions@USABioEnergy.com or visit www.USABioEnergy.com