Shell Aviation is to distribute Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel fuel produced by a new biofinery operated by Red Rock Biofuels in Lakeview, Oregon.
“We are excited to have Shell join our strong team of project partners on our Lakeview biorefinery,” said Terry Kulesa, CEO of Red Rock.
“With its operational capabilities and global supply chain expertise, Shell is ideally positioned to support us in helping make low-carbon SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel more widely available to airlines and heavy transport companies who are committed to reducing emissions and tackling climate change.”
Red Rock’s biorefinery is scheduled for completion early next year. Once operational, it will be the world’s first commercial scale plant to utilise waste woody biomass from forests at risk of wildfire to create SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel.
Anna Mascolo, President of Global Aviation at Shell, said, “Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is crucial to aviation’s success in reaching net zero emissions by 2050, alongside new technologies and high-quality carbon credits.
“But to enable SAF to fulfil its potential we need to be proactive and resolute in finding opportunities to increase availability of SAF today and tomorrow.
“Increasing SAF is dependent on collaboration across the whole value chain. We are proud to work together with Red Rock to support the development of their innovative new production facility in Lakeview, Oregon.”
In general, lifecycle carbon emissions from SAF and cellulosic renewable diesel are expected to be up to 80% lower than conventional jet fuel. The SAF will be supplied to airports through existing airport infrastructure and can be used blended by airlines without requiring technical modification to their current fleet.
