XCF advances toward commercial SAF output with catalyst delivery, completes key upgrades

XCF Global has completed critical refinery upgrades and received process catalyst at its New Rise Renewables Reno facility in Nevada, advancing the plant toward an expected early June 2026 production start as the company positions to scale domestic sustainable aviation fuel supply amid tightening global mandates, the Houston-based producer said June 1.

The catalyst delivery and initiation of catalyst loading represent the final major material requirement before the facility transitions from commissioning to commercial operations, the company said. The 38 million gallons/year plant is expected to become a revenue-generating asset once production begins, subject to final commissioning activities and standard start-up procedures.

The completed upgrade work includes catalyst replacement, targeted equipment enhancements, and heat-exchange improvements designed to support operational stability, plant performance, and fuel-quality objectives, XCF said.

"The successful delivery and receipt of our process catalyst at New Rise Reno marks a pivotal operational milestone in the refinery's modernization program," CEO Chris Cooper said. "With catalyst loading now underway, we have entered the final sequencing phase ahead of expected commercial production operations and remain on schedule with our previously communicated timeline."

Production timeline

XCF highlighted its positioning within the evolving US biofuel policy landscape as the company prepares to restart production at its Nevada facility, citing the EPA's final Renewable Fuel Standard rule as supportive of long-term growth in SAF and renewable diesel markets.

The company confirmed earlier that catalyst delivery for the Reno facility remains on track, with the isomerization catalyst scheduled to arrive slightly ahead of schedule, subject to customary international shipping and customs processes.

The facility upgrades include catalyst replacement, a new heat exchanger to improve heat recovery and product quality, and equipment modifications to reduce operational disruptions at lower flow rates.

The New Rise Reno facility is XCF's flagship production asset and has a permitted nameplate production capacity of 38 million gal/year. The company said the progress at the facility supports its broader strategy to expand domestic low-carbon fuel production and advance the availability of SAF in North America.

The company secured $10 million in private funding in April to support the Reno conversion, satisfying a critical financing condition tied to its proposed three-party merger with DevvStream Corp. and Southern Energy Renewables Inc. XCF also signed a binding term sheet with BGN INT US in April for a renewable fuels tolling and distribution partnership centered on the Reno facility.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, last assessed SAF prices in California at 968.30 cents/gallon and assessed SAF (H-S) prices in California (credits det) at 563.94 cents/gal on May 27, based on a spread of neat SAF to jet kerosene Los Angeles, California, pipeline prices of 200.05 cents/gal.