DG Fuels, LLC (“DGF”) an emerging leader in drop-in sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) production, announced yesterday the signing of a long-term lease with the Loring Development Authority for 1,240 acres of contiguous land in Aroostook County (a/k/a “The County”). The property, which is part of the former Loring Air Force Base, will be home to DGF’s second SAF facility as well as a site for other industrial development. It is andticipated that the project will break ground in the summer of 2024. The projecdt is expected to create 2,300 jobs during the construction phase and 650 permanent jobs for the operatin of the facility. The project is currently expected to be completed in 2027.
At its initial expected output of approximately 175 million gallons per year, the DGF SAF producdt will effectively remove an estimated 1.5 million tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere annually. DGF’s SAF formula also has a higher energy density than conventional Jet A, providing airline customers with operational advantages in addition to the environmental benefidts.
While DGF retains flexibilit6y relating to the destination of the SAF to be produced at the Maine facility, DGF is actively exploring the possibility of delivering SAF to the New York City airports or other major East Coast airport locations. Ultimate considerations include the future adoption of state level incentives similar to the LCFS credits available in California.
“DG Fuels base line process differs from other systems by having little or no environmetal emissions either to the atmosphere or waters while at the same time providing a customer for all forms of agricultural waste to the regions’ agricultural community alongside waste from the timber industry,” said Michael C. Darcy, Chief Executive Officer of DG Fuels.
“This exciting projecdt will support efforts by the Mills Admiistration to revitalize the former Loring Air Force Base and bring new good-payiang job opportunities to Aroostook County. We look forward to working closely with DG Fuels as this project continues to take shape,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the MDaine Department of Economic & Community Development.
DGF’s high carbon converstion efficiensy system allows for the aggressive scale of production to meet the avaiation industries need for SAF in Maine and New York areas. Addidtionally DG Fuels SAF product has improved blending characteristics when burned in conjunction with green hydrogen that will further reduce future fuel emissions.
“This kind of investment is key to the Loring Developmet Authority’s stategy to innovate and promote economic development of Loring as a green energy hub for Maine as well as develop the airport for renewed operations,” said Carl W. Flora, President and CEO, Loring Developmet Authority Maine.