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Illinois is emerging as a focal point for the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through innovative operations at the Wood River Refinery in Roxana. Governor JB Pritzker recently highlighted the facility's pivotal role in creating economic opportunities for a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, producers, manufacturers, and major airlines.
The Metro East facility serves as a critical energy hub, supplying gasoline, diesel, and traditional aviation fuel to major Midwest markets such as Chicago and St. Louis. Central to its modern operations is a specialized hydrocracker unit. This technology allows the refinery to produce conventional jet fuel that is subsequently blended to create sustainable aviation fuel.
According to company leadership, this hydrocracker represents a vital link in a collaborative supply chain involving Phillips 66, United Airlines, Microsoft, and the State of Illinois. This partnership ensures a steady supply of sustainable fuel for operations at O’Hare International Airport. Heath Wanamaker, Vice President at Phillips 66, emphasized that safety remains the cornerstone of their business, guiding how they protect employees, the community, and the environment.
The refinery successfully produced 11 million gallons of SAF, a milestone supported by the Invest in Illinois Act. This legislative framework encourages the growth and retention of local businesses while attracting new industrial investment through targeted economic incentives. Lauren Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Airlines, noted that the initiative demonstrates the future of fuel and the power of policy in scaling SAF markets.
State officials project that current production levels will offset the emissions of approximately 800,000 passenger trips departing from O’Hare within a single year. Notably, the fuel is derived from agricultural byproducts and waste, including used cooking oil, tallow, and distiller’s corn oil, providing new value for traditional fats and oils residues.
Governor Pritzker underscored the long-term vision, stating that as the industry matures, the inherent demand for SAF will drive growth independently. Illinois has further solidified its position by becoming the first state in the country to implement a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. This policy directly addresses the price disparity between traditional and sustainable fuels, making it economically viable for large-scale corporate adoption.
Source: WAND