DG Fuels selects Emerson engineering, automation portfolio to support advanced biofuel production

Emerson, a leader in industrial software and technology, announced Nov. 8 that it has been chosen by DG Fuels to provide comprehensive automation and project engineering to help transportation-sector decarbonization efforts through production of advanced biofuels.

To help address the more than 25 percent of global emissions caused by transportation, DG Fuels’ mission is to provide drop-in cellulosic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at scale, then expand into renewable diesel fuel.

Its advanced conversion process creates fuels that can be used in existing aviation and vehicle engines, “achieving three times greater yield from biomass feedstock when compared to traditional biofuels production processes,” Emerson stated.

In July, DG Fuels said it expected to reach a final investment decision on its $4.2 billion, 180-million-gallon-per-year SAF facility in Louisiana in early 2024.

“Technology and innovation are the foundation of bringing our innovative fuels-conversion process to scale,” said Michael Darcy, DG Fuels CEO. “Partnering with Emerson for its project expertise and automation portfolio gives us confidence in achieving our bold vision of being a global leader in synthetic jet and diesel fuel production.”

Chosen for its deep automation project engineering and execution, backed by the industry’s most comprehensive automation portfolio, Emerson will provide DG Fuels with a suite of advanced sensing, control, systems, equipment monitoring and production optimization technologies and software that enable safe, reliable and sustainable production.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a critical step in the energy transition of the transportation sector,” said Mike Train, Emerson’s chief sustainability officer. “Meaningful progress will require innovative solutions across multiple sources of energy. We look forward to supporting DG Fuels’ mission of creating high-yield, high-quality biomass-derived fuels at scale.”

DG Fuels’ previously announced agreements with aviation leaders for SAF development and supply include Air France KLM, Delta, Airbus and GE Aviation.