Governor JB Pritzker, along with Crysalis Biosciences Inc. and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), announced today a significant agreement under the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) initiative. This partnership involves a $239.5 million investment from Crysalis to establish a groundbreaking sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Sauget, generating at least 35 new jobs and aiming to revolutionize the fuel and chemical sector while decreasing the state’s carbon emissions.
“There is no better state equipped for the sustainable fuel industry than Illinois,” Pritzker stated. “With this investment, Crysalis Biosciences will build a pioneering SAF plant here, enhancing our goal of economic growth while minimizing our carbon footprint. This is just the beginning of a new era in clean energy production for Illinois.”
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton added, “This investment brings us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Illinois. Crysalis’ commitment to SAF represents an exciting advancement, showcasing how innovation can fuel both economic and environmental progress in our state.”
As a leading biorefiner, Crysalis is responding to the increasing demand for SAF and aims to expedite the global shift to zero-carbon products. The company selected Sauget for its state-of-the-art biorefinery due to the region’s strategic advantages.
“We greatly appreciate the support from the Governor and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for our innovative biorefinery,” said Crysalis CEO Sanket Gandhi. “Our facility will bring cutting-edge zero-carbon chemistry from the lab to the marketplace.”
Crysalis plans to revitalize a 57-acre ethanol plant in the Metro East area, converting it to produce between 5,000 and 10,000 barrels daily of low carbon intensity SAF and SAF feedstock, with a carbon intensity score 90% lower than conventional fossil-derived jet fuel. The company has also positioned itself to meet rigorous environmental standards, recently securing one of the first environmental authorizations under new regulations from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
“Illinois is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution by welcoming Crysalis Biosciences to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel in Sauget,” remarked DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “REV Illinois is transforming our business landscape, encouraging sustainable innovations that will significantly cut our carbon footprint.”
With this $239.5 million commitment and the creation of at least 35 jobs, Crysalis will benefit from REV incentives, marking the first agreement for a SAF manufacturing project under this initiative. The REV program offers competitive incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles, solar, renewable energy, and energy storage to relocate or expand within Illinois.
