Rayonier Advanced Materials, Verso Energy sign new MOU to advance eSAF project in Georgia

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Verso Energy recently announced the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen their strategic collaboration.

According to Rayonier Advanced Materials, the agreement represents a major step forward in evaluating the development of a breakthrough facility in Jesup, Georgia, to produce electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) and valorize biogenic carbon dioxide from its manufacturing operations.

The MOU builds on a foundational agreement signed in December, broadening the scope of cooperation between the two companies and solidifying their commitment to industrial innovation and decarbonization.

The new MOU outlines joint feasibility studies for multiple projects, including:

• A CO2 capture and storage (CCS) project.

• An H2 unit to produce renewable hydrogen.

• An eFuel production unit to convert biogenic CO2 and green hydrogen into eSAF.

These projects are being explored at Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Jesup site, leveraging its established industrial base and biogenic CO2 streams.

“This new MOU marks an exciting evolution in our collaboration with Verso Energy,” said De Lyle Bloomquist, president and CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “As the global push for decarbonization accelerates, Rayonier Advanced Materials remains committed to unlocking new revenue streams from our biogenic CO2 and biomass resources. We are energized by the shared vision we’ve built with Verso and the prospect of creating meaningful environmental and economic value in Georgia and beyond.”

Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy, added, “The Jesup site presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the scalable integration of carbon capture and renewable fuel production in North America. Our strengthened partnership with Rayonier Advanced Materials allows us to move with purpose toward large-scale deployment of low-carbon fuels and to contribute decisively to the energy transition. This agreement underlines our long-term confidence in the U.S. market and our commitment to global climate goals.”

The MOU includes the formation of a joint steering committee, outlines an exclusivity period for project evaluation and anticipates the negotiation of definitive agreements including a CO2 supply contract.

A feasibility study is already underway to assess the technical, economic and environmental dimensions of the proposed projects, with a final-investment decision expected in the next 18 to 24 months.