European Chemical Industry News & Insights

USA BioEnergy adopts JM and Honeywell tech for Texas SAF plant

Key highlights
  • The Bon Wier plant will produce 65 million gallons of SAF annually by 2030.
  • The facility will convert one million tons of biomass into transportation fuels.
  • USA BioEnergy has a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines for up to 680 million gallons of SPK.
  • The plant will use JM's FT CANS and Honeywell's FT Unicracking technologies.

Project Overview

USA BioEnergy is developing a biorefinery in Bon Wier, Texas, to produce synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) using Johnson Matthey's FT CANS and Honeywell UOP's FT Unicracking technologies. The facility aims to produce 65 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually by 2030.

Feedstock and Production

The plant will convert one million tons of biomass, primarily sourced from forest thinnings, into transportation fuels. This approach addresses feedstock availability challenges and supports the decarbonization of air travel.

Technological Integration

In addition to the Fischer Tropsch technologies, Honeywell's Experion® PKS Distributed Control System and safety system will be implemented to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety at the facility.

Strategic Partnerships

USA BioEnergy has secured a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines for the purchase of up to 680 million gallons of SPK. When blended with fossil jet fuel, this could yield 2.59 billion gallons of SAF, contributing to the International Air Transport Association's emission goals for net zero by 2050.