A sustainable aviation fuel production facility already in the works at Wallula Gap is now getting a boost from the state. 

SkyNRG Americas’ facility received a $1.5 million grant from the state Department of Commerce, as part of the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund, according to a news release. The Port of Walla Walla secured the grant, as the facility will be built at its Wallula Gap Industrial Park, east of Pasco. 

“This project aligns with our strategic growth priorities around clean technology and innovation,” said Joe Nguyen, director of the state Department of Commerce, in the release. “In addition to furthering Washington’s leadership in clean energy and sustainable aviation, it creates family-wage manufacturing jobs that strengthen the local economy and community.” 

SkyNRG Americas Inc. launched the siting process at the end of 2024 by initiating environmental reviews. Once built, the facility will convert gaseous feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using chemical processes. 

Ecology is the lead agency in the company’s state environmental review process due to the project’s onsite fuel storage capacity. 

“This facility positions Walla Walla as a leader in sustainable aviation fuel while creating quality jobs and long-term economic benefits. SkyNRG’s presence underscores our commitment to innovation and attracting forward-thinking industries,” said Patrick Reay, the port’s executive director, in a release. 

It is anticipated that the project will create up to 600 jobs during construction and about 100 jobs once production begins in 2029. Once operating, the facility will produce an estimated 50 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel annually and has agreements already in place to buy its fuels. 

For context, SkyNRG’s facility alone would produce nearly 10% the total volume of aviation fuel dispensed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport every year.