In the United States (US), advanced biofuels project developer Red Rock Biofuels LLC (RRB) has recently revealed that it will produce around 3 million (US) gallons (≈ 11.3 million litres) of low-carbon, renewable biojet fuel per year for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. The off-take runs through 2024, with first delivery expected in 2017. FedEx joins Southwest Airlines in purchasing Red Rock’s total volume of biojet fuel.
of the world’s largest air cargo carriers (photo courtesy FedEx Express).
Funded in part by a US$70 million Title III DPA grant from the US Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy, the Red Rock Biofuels facility is scheduled to break ground later this year in Lakeview, Oregon. FedEx joins Southwest Airlines in purchasing Red Rock’s total available volume of renewable biojet fuel.
Based on gasification, Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion, and product upgrading, the biorefinery process will convert approximately 140 000 dry tons of woody biomass into 15 million (US) gallons (≈ 56.7 million litres) per annum of renewable biojet, diesel and naphtha fuels.
In addition to reducing lifecycle carbon emissions, the production process will reduce the risk of forest fires in the western United States by decreasing the amount of waste woody biomass in surrounding forests.
As we look to break ground on our refinery in the coming months, we’re thrilled to have signed a contract with FedEx as they look to diversify their fuel supply and reduce emissions throughout their aviation unit. With our total jet fuel capacity now sold to FedEx and Southwest Airlines, we are building a suite of powerful, global customers that continue to commit to the future of alternative fuels in a market where oil prices are low, providing true validation of our business model and mission said Terry Kulesa, co-founder, and CEO of Red Rock Biofuels and co-founder and President of IR1 Group, a Colorado-based consulting group for the biofuels industry and parent company of RRB.
