DG Fuels is set to launch its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in Phelps County, Nebraska, marking a significant expansion into the Midwest. This move highlights the vital role agriculture will play in the future of aviation, with Nebraska’s generations of farmers now leading the charge in a fuel production revolution.

“Private industry is finally looking at agriculture to reach their sustainability commitments,” says Julie Bushell, President of GSD. “For so long we knew that agriculture was the answer to feeding and fueling the world; finally the world is seeing its greatest carbon sink on the planet. Projects like DG Fuels speak to the value agriculture provides to all things.”

The rising demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is set to significantly impact Phelps County, benefiting both the community now and for generations to come. Discover how this valuable resource is poised to transform the local area.

Biofuel Provides New Revenue Streams for Farmers

DG Fuels, in partnership with the Nebraska BioEconomy, is dedicated to helping farmers create additional income by utilizing parts of their crops that would typically go to waste. Through this innovative process, DG Fuels transforms corn stover – the leftover plant material after harvest – into SAF. While stover was once left behind, it now has an important new purpose.

To ensure sustainable practices, the harvesting and processing of stover are designed not to disrupt planting cycles or damage soil quality. In certain years, stover will be left in the field to maintain nutrient balance. The project will include soil testing to ensure the land remains healthy, determining whether stover can be harvested or how much should stay to enhance soil health.

“BioEconomy means you are equally invested in building soil health and maintaining water quality as you are adding value to the crop and providing opportunities for the next generation of farmers,” says Bushell.

Investing in the health of local farms is essential for DG Fuels to ensure long-term production. A thriving rural America begins with strong, quality investments.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: The Future of Air Travel

The corn stover harvested from Phelps County farmers will be transformed into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by DG Fuels. This SAF will then be used worldwide, powering nearly every airline dedicated to reducing its carbon emissions.

Delta Airlines reports that 90% of its carbon emissions stem from jet fuel, and SAF can reduce these emissions by up to 80%. Southwest Airlines aims to use 10% SAF by 2030, while both Southwest and United Airlines are committed to achieving a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In the U.S., 45,000 flights take to the skies daily, transporting 2.9 million passengers, with the Federal Aviation Administration overseeing over 16.5 million flights each year. The faster companies like DG Fuels can produce SAF for major airlines, the sooner millions of flights can reduce their reliance on traditional jet fuel.

Farmers Have a Direct Voice in the BioEconomy

Bushell and her team have prioritized involving farmers in the Nebraska BioEconomy, collaborating with them in ways that align with their current practices. They view projects like harvesting corn stover not as burdens but as profitable opportunities that don’t require farmers to alter their crop-growing methods.

“We want everyone at the table for this project to see how we can make it better,” says Bushell. “We’re really proud of the outreach in the community and the transparent actions of everyone involved.”

Bushell specifically acknowledges the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) for its vital role in generating community support, identifying suitable sites, and addressing infrastructure needs. Recently, PCDC launched a dedicated web page for DG Fuels to provide answers to any questions residents may have about the project.

“We understand that a project of this scale brings a lot of questions,” says Ron Tillery, Executive Director of PCDC. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to accurate, up-to-date information and that the community feels involved in this transformative journey.”

The BioEconomy Will Propel Phelps Farmers into the Future

BioEconomy initiatives such as the DG Fuels plant will not only offer local farmers new revenue streams in the short term but also highlight long-term opportunities for young people to remain in the farming community.

“This project gives the next generation of kids in the surrounding areas careers,” says Bushell.

“They can become engineers, biochemists, and operations specialists supporting farming families. The next generation of farmers can have careers they are excited about while also staying on the farm.”

SAF production in Phelps County can also foster secondary business opportunities driven by a growing population. Bushell emphasizes that the long-term mission of PCDC is to support quality of life investments, ensuring that those who work here are also motivated to make it their home.

“What’s so cool about Phelps County is that there is a strong group of leaders who are already thinking about their kids and preparing the next generation of farmers,” says Bushell. “A small group of people can accomplish anything when they work together.”

The post DG Fuels to Revolutionize Phelps County, Nebraska with Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant, Positioning Farmers at the Forefront of Aviation’s Green Future appeared first on Travel And Tour World.