GSD, LLC: DG Fuels' Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant Supports the Nebraska BioEconomy

This release is being issued by GSD, LLC, which is working in partnership with DG Fuels and Phelps County Development Corporation regarding the Phelps County project

PHELPS COUNTY, Neb., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DG Fuels will soon open a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Phelps County, Nebraska – its first SAF plant in the Midwest. The expansion into Phelps reflects the role that agriculture plays in the future of aviation. Farmers who have called Nebraska home for generations are now at the forefront of a fuel production revolution.

"Private industry is finally looking at agriculture to reach their sustainability commitments," says Julie Bushell, President of GSD. "For so long we knew that agriculture was the answer to feeding and fueling the world; finally the world is seeing its greatest carbon sink on the planet. Projects like DG Fuels speak to the value agriculture provides to all things."

The growing demand for SAF will have a direct impact on Phelps County – now and for future generations. Learn more about this resource and how it's set to change the local community.

Biofuel Creates Additional Revenue Streams for Farmers

DG Fuels and the Nebraska BioEconomy are committed to helping farmers develop new revenue streams from parts of their crops that would otherwise be considered low-value products. DG Fuels can turn corn stover, the nubs left over after the harvest, and turn it into SAF. Previously, the stover would be left on the ground, but now it has value.

However, harvesting and processing the stover shouldn't disrupt the planting process or harm the quality of the soil. In some years, the stover will be left in the ground to preserve the nutrients. The project will facilitate soil samples to confirm that the ground is healthy enough for the stover to be harvested or to determine just how much should be left to increase soil health.

"BioEconomy means you are equally invested in building soil health and maintaining water quality as you are adding value to the crop and providing opportunities for the next generation of farmers," says Bushell.

Without investing in the health of local farms, DG Fuels cannot maintain long-term production. A prosperous rural America starts with quality investors.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the Future of Air Travel 

The corn stover collected from Phelps farmers will be converted into SAF by DG Fuels. From there, the aviation fuel will be used across the globe and by almost every airline that is committed to reducing its carbon emissions.

Delta says that 90% of its carbon emissions come from jet fuel and SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. Southwest is committed to using 10% SAF for its airlines by 2030. Both Southwest and United intend to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 100% by 2050.

In the United States, 45,000 flights per day transport 2.9 million airline passengers across the country, and the Federal Aviation Administration handles more than 16.5 million flights annually. The sooner companies like DG Fuels can produce SAF for major airlines, the sooner millions of flights can take off reducing the need for conventional jet fuel. 

Farmers Have a Direct Voice in the BioEconomy

Bushell and her team have made a point of involving farmers in the Nebraska BioEconomy and working with them based on their current practices. They want projects like harvesting corn stover to be viewed as profitable opportunities, not burdens requiring farmers to change how their crops are grown.

"We want everyone at the table for this project to see how we can make it better," says Bushell. "We're really proud of the outreach in the community and the transparent actions of everyone involved."

Bushell specifically credits the Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) for its help in building community support, finding appropriate sites, and contributing to infrastructure needs. PCDC recently developed a web page for DG Fuels to answer questions any residents have about the project.

"We understand that a project of this scale brings a lot of questions," says Ron Tillery, Executive Director of PCDC. "Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to accurate, up-to-date information and that the community feels involved in this transformative journey."

The BioEconomy Will Bring Phelps Farmers into the Future

BioEconomy projects like the DG Fuels plant will excite local farmers about additional revenue streams in the short run while also showcasing opportunities for young people to stay in the farming community in the long run.

"This project gives the next generation of kids in the surrounding areas careers," says Bushell.

"They can become engineers, biochemists, and operations specialists supporting farming families. The next generation of farmers can have careers they are excited about while also staying on the farm."

SAF production in Phelps County can also create secondary business opportunities that are made possible by a growing population. Bushell says the long-term role of PCDC is supporting quality of life investment that makes people who can already work here want to live here.

"What's so cool about Phelps County is that there is a strong group of leaders who are already thinking about their kids and preparing the next generation of farmers," says Bushell. "A small group of people can accomplish anything when they work together."

Follow Additional BioEconomy Initiatives in Phelps County

Information in this release is courtesy of Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) and written by Amanda Dodge, Golden Shovel Agency.

PCDC will share regular updates on the DG Fuels project and other opportunities for Phelps farmers. This plant highlights how the actions taken by individuals in Phelps County have a global impact. A plane that flies from Chicago to Paris will someday be powered by fuel made in Nebraska. Phelps County is at the forefront of future-building and prepared for growth. Now is a great time to join us.

Phelps County Development Corporation has the tools, information, and skills to assist you with relocation for your business or family. PCDC is ready to help with housing and project advocacy, including permitting, timely utilities, and financial assistance. Contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today.

For more information about GSD, visit gsdpartnership.com.

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SOURCE GSD, LLC