United Becomes First U.S. Airline to Invest in Biofuel Refinery

United Airlines Ventures (UAV) has revealed a strategic investment in NEXT Renewable Fuels (NEXT), which has received approval for the construction of its flagship biofuel refinery in Port Westward, Oregon, with production set to start in 2026. The biorefinery being built by NEXT, a Houston-based business, has the potential to produce up to 50,000 barrels per day of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and other renewable fuels once it is fully operational. If NEXT achieves specific milestone objectives, UAV may invest up to $37.5 million in the business.

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A deep-water port, an existing industrial-grade dock, and multi-modal transportation options are just a few of the special advantages that NEXT’s biorefinery offers. These advantages make it easier to reach feedstock alternatives and rapidly expanding SAF offtake markets on the west coast.

By securing a deal with BP to source all of its feedstock, NEXT has further reduced the danger of the supply problems that smaller facilities have previously faced. A critical air permit for NEXT has also been granted by the State of Oregon. The biorefinery may be utilised as a platform to scale SAF and implement additional future technologies after all required clearances and permits have been received and it is operating.

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United has been an industry leader in advocating for alternative jet fuel for years – including investing in more SAF production than any other airline in the world and flying the world’s first passenger flight using 100% SAF in one engine. United also launched the Eco-Skies Alliance program, which among its 30 corporate participants, has collectively purchased more than 7 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel.

With no reliance on conventional carbon offsets like voluntary offsets or tree planting, UAV is a pioneering sustainability-focused ventures fund that targets startups, emerging technologies, and ideas that will support United’s aim of net zero emissions by 2050. SAF manufacturers and other businesses that are developing technologies like carbon utilization, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft, and air taxis are currently included in UAV’s portfolio.