Governor Abbott Announces $1.6 Billion Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility in Harris County
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Summit Next Gen, LLC will open a state-of-the-art sustainable aviation fuel manufacturing and refining facility in Harris County. The project, located along the Texas Gulf Coast, will become the largest ethanol-to-jet fuel production facility in North America, with an investment of over $1.6 billion. The facility is set to play a pivotal role in advancing Texas’ position as a leader in energy innovation.
“This is a Texas-sized investment in the future of Harris County and the state of Texas,” Governor Abbott stated. “Summit Next Gen is making a significant impact with the largest ethanol-to-jet fuel production facility in North America. This project represents Texas’ commitment to job creation, energy innovation, and economic growth. The Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program is an essential tool that helps attract forward-thinking projects like this, which will bring good-paying jobs to our communities and help fuel our state’s economic prosperity.”
The facility, which will produce sustainable aviation fuel, will have a transformative impact on the aviation industry by providing a scalable, low-carbon jet fuel supply. This cutting-edge development is strategically located on the Houston Ship Channel, a hub for energy infrastructure, which allows Summit Next Gen to leverage existing large-scale resources to meet growing customer demand. The location also provides access to a skilled workforce of energy industry professionals in the Houston region.
Summit Next Gen’s CEO, Robert Halpin, emphasized the importance of the project in a statement. “We’re thrilled to advance the development of the world’s largest ethanol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel production facility,” he said. “This investment aligns with our goal of revolutionizing the global aviation industry. With the leadership and support of Governor Abbott, the Galena Park ISD Board, and local officials, we’ve chosen Houston as the perfect location for this transformative project. The region’s infrastructure, talent pool, and proximity to the energy sector make it the ideal home for Summit Next Gen’s operations.”
The JETI program, which was co-sponsored by Senator Carol Alvarado in 2023, is designed to attract high-impact investments in energy and technology. Senator Alvarado praised the development, noting that it will significantly benefit the Houston Ship Channel and the broader region. “Thanks to the JETI Act, this project represents a massive ten-figure investment in Senate District 6,” she said. “I’m proud to have worked with Summit Next Gen and local leaders to bring this economic development opportunity to the community.”
Local officials also expressed their support for the project. Representative Ana Hernandez described it as a prime example of collaboration between state and local governments and the private sector. “Harris County has long been a leader in fuel innovation, and this investment in sustainable aviation fuel continues that tradition,” she said. “This is a great example of how working together can bring new opportunities and jobs to our communities.”
Galena Park Independent School District (ISD) officials also expressed excitement about the project, with Superintendent John Moore, Ed.D., and CFO Ben Pape noting the educational and job training benefits that the Summit Next Gen facility will bring to the district. “Galena Park ISD is proud to participate in the JETI program, and we’re thrilled to welcome Summit Next Gen to our community,” they said. “This project will bring job opportunities, training programs, and numerous benefits to our students and families.”
The Greater Houston Partnership’s President and CEO, Steve Kean, highlighted the importance of the project for the region’s economic future. “Summit Next Gen’s establishment of the world’s largest ethanol-to-jet fuel production facility underscores Houston’s leadership in energy innovation,” Kean said. “This investment not only affirms the desirability of our region for businesses seeking success but also illustrates how critical economic incentive programs like JETI are in attracting major investments and fueling growth across Texas.”
Summit Next Gen’s facility is expected to create numerous high-paying jobs and contribute significantly to Texas’ energy sector, further cementing the state’s reputation as the Energy Capital of the World.
