USA BioEnergy is moving forward with a major step in its mission to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Texas. The company announced that it has selected Johnson Matthey (JM) and Honeywell to provide advanced process technologies for its Bon Wier biorefinery, which will produce synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK).
Advanced Technology for SAF Production
The Bon Wier plant will use:
JM/bp’s FT CANS technology
Honeywell UOP’s FT Unicracking technology
Both processes rely on the Fischer-Tropsch pathway and are designed to meet strict aviation standards once SPK is blended with conventional jet fuel.
Additionally, Honeywell’s Experion® PKS Distributed Control System will be deployed to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability at the facility.
Converting Biomass into Fuel
Once operational, the plant is expected to:
Process 1 million tons of biomass annually, mainly from responsibly sourced forest thinnings
Produce 65 million gallons of transportation fuels each year, including SAF
This effort also integrates carbon capture and sequestration to further reduce emissions, creating one of the most advanced alternative fuel solutions in the U.S.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
Tony Wedell, COO of USA BioEnergy: “We are creating the best fully integrated solution in the advanced fuels industry.”
Nick Andrews, CEO of USA BioEnergy: “Our integration with Johnson Matthey and Honeywell will help us create this fully integrated, alternative fuels solution.”
Alberto Giovanzana, Johnson Matthey: “This project shows how FT CANS can support decarbonisation of air travel while boosting U.S. energy security and jobs.”
Rajesh Gattupalli, Honeywell UOP: “Alternative fuels are key to America’s energy security, and this collaboration is a step forward for SAF scale-up.”
Long-Term Partnerships and Impact
This project is part of a broader momentum in sustainable fuels:
USA BioEnergy has a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines for up to 680 million gallons of SPK, which once blended could generate 2.59 billion gallons of SAF.
JM and Honeywell were also chosen for DG Fuels’ SAF plant in Minnesota, which will use similar technology.
Why It Matters
The Bon Wier biorefinery represents a significant investment in the future of aviation fuels, helping the U.S. reduce carbon emissions, improve domestic energy security, and create jobs. With global aviation aiming for net zero by 2050, projects like this bring that goal closer to reality.
