NXTClean Fuels has chosen Topsoe as the technology partner for its new Port Westward, Oregon, facility, which is set to become the largest greenfield Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project in the U.S.
NXTClean Fuels has selected Topsoe as the exclusive technology licensor for its ambitious new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel facility at Port Westward, Oregon. This landmark agreement positions the Oregon plant to become the largest greenfield SAF project in the United States, a critical development as the aviation industry aggressively pursues decarbonization goals.
The facility, which is currently subject to a final investment decision, is expected to be operational by 2029 and will boast a substantial production capacity of up to 50,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and SAF. This output—equivalent to roughly 750 million gallons per year—will significantly bolster the U.S.'s supply of low-carbon fuels.
Topsoe will deliver a suite of its proprietary solutions: HydroFlex™, SynCOR™, and H2bridge™ technologies, along with specialized catalysts. These integrated technologies are central to the project’s goal of producing fuels with one of the lowest carbon footprints globally.
The core innovation of the Port Westward project lies in the seamless integration of Topsoe’s technologies. The HydroFlex™ technology is a proven solution for converting a wide array of renewable feedstocks—such as fats, oils, and greases—into high-quality "drop-in" renewable diesel and jet fuel that is chemically identical to their petroleum-based counterparts.
Crucially, the facility will employ Topsoe's H2bridge™ solution, which is designed to recycle biogenic propane and off-gas from the HydroFlex™ process. This waste stream is converted into low-carbon hydrogen, which is then fed back into the process. This circular approach replaces the need for external, fossil-derived feedstocks for hydrogen production, leading to a substantial reduction in the overall carbon intensity of the final renewable fuels.
Christopher Efird, CEO & Chairperson of NXTClean Fuels, highlighted this competitive advantage, stating that the technologies and catalysts "dramatically reduce the carbon intensity of our fuels, making our products among the cleanest SAF and renewable diesel supplies in the world."
The project comes at a time of explosive growth in the sustainable fuel market. Henrik Rasmussen, Managing Director of Topsoe Americas, noted that the facility will "significantly increase the production of SAF in the U.S." and supports Topsoe’s role in reducing emissions within American aviation.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF production is projected to more than double in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching 2.1 million tons (2.7 billion liters).
