Aemetis receives key permit for 90 mgy SAF, renewable diesel plant in California

Aemetis Inc. announced Sept. 13 that it has received a use permit from the city of Riverbank, California, to build a 90-million-gallon-per-year (mgy) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel plant at the 125-acre Riverbank Industrial Complex.

The complex, a former U.S. Army ammunition production plant, is now being converted to business and industrial use as part of the federal base realignment and closure program.

“For many years, we sought out a green company to lead us into the future and we found Aemetis,” said Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien.

Councilmember Darlene Barber-Martinez added, “Thank you to Aemetis for being the type of company that you are and for doing such a great job at the Riverbank site, which has already created new local jobs in the green economy.”

The city of Riverbank is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act for Aemetis’ SAF and renewable diesel plant.

The city council’s unanimous decision includes approval of the CEQA determinations that allow the remaining permits for the project to be issued.

“Aemetis continues to complete major milestones in our five-year plan,” said Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “This use permit and CEQA approval for the Riverbank sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel plant is the result of years of engineering and environmental work with the city and several government agencies, allowing us to finalize additional key permits in the next few months.”

Aemetis has signed $3.8 billion of SAF supply contracts with airlines, and a $3.2 billion renewable diesel supply contract with a national chain of travel stops.

The 90 mgy production facility will include about $500 million of investment and create more than 800 jobs during construction, as well as an estimated 650 permanent direct and indirect jobs.