SkyNRG awarded $1.5 million grant from Washington state for SAF project in Walla Walla

Image: SkyNRG

A planned sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility being developed by SkyNRG Americas in Walla Walla, Washington, has been awarded a new $1.5 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

The Port of Walla Walla secured the grant from the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund through the commerce department to assist the project at the Port’s Wallula Gap Industrial Park.

The SkyNRG Americas facility will produce SAF and renewable diesel using feedstocks such as renewable natural gas (RNG), dovetailing with Washington state’s commitment to advancing sustainable-fuel technologies and attracting innovative companies to the region.

It is anticipated that the project will create up to 600 jobs during construction and about 100 jobs once production begins.

“Sustainable aviation fuels are central to the evolving global aerospace industry, and we’re proud to be leading the way here in Washington state,” said Gov. Bob Ferguson. “SkyNRG’s new facility will be an important economic driver in the region and throughout our state’s innovative clean-energy and aerospace sectors.”

Joe Nguyen, director of the state commerce department, added, “This project aligns with our strategic-growth priorities around clean technology and innovation. In addition to furthering Washington’s leadership in clean energy and sustainable aviation, it creates family-wage manufacturing jobs that strengthen the local economy and community.”

The commerce department said SkyNRG is a global leader in SAF.

The company selected the Wallula Gap Industrial Park, operated by the Port of Walla Walla, for its new project called Project Wigeon.

This location enables SkyNRG to produce SAF on a commercial scale and supply it directly to major airports within the state, as well as to other West Coast markets with clean-fuel standards.

“The Port of Walla Walla is proud to support SkyNRG’s investment, which helps to broaden our economic base while enhancing the strength and resilience of our community,” said Patrick Reay, the executive director of the Port of Walla Walla. “This facility positions Walla Walla as a leader in sustainable aviation fuel while creating quality jobs and long-term economic benefits. SkyNRG’s presence underscores our commitment to innovation and attracting forward-thinking industries.”

SkyNRG anticipates producing 50 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually.

The commerce department noted that SkyNRG already has agreements in place to purchase those fuels.

For context, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport dispenses about 600 million gallons of aviation fuel annually.

The Port of Seattle has announced a goal to migrate 10 percent of that volume to SAF—about 60 million gallons per year—and to procure it from local, sustainable sources.

“We are excited to help expand American-made fuel production, as well as Washington state’s leadership in the global clean-energy transition,” said John Plaza, CEO of SkyNRG Americas. “We are also proud to bring new jobs to this community.”  

SkyNRG recently secured the Wallula Gap site with the port, and the State Environmental Policy Act checklist has been submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology and Walla Walla County.

The facility is anticipated to open in 2029.