RYAM, Verso to advance eSAF, CO2 project in Georgia
Rayonier Advanced Materials and Verso Energy announced the signing of an agreement to deepen their strategic collaboration to evaluate development of a facility in Jesup, Georgia, to produce electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) and valorise biogenic CO2 from RYAM’s manufacturing operations.
“This new MoU marks an exciting evolution in our collaboration with Verso Energy. As the global push for decarbonisation accelerates, RYAM remains committed to unlocking new revenue streams from our biogenic CO2 and biomass resources,” said De Lyle Bloomquist, president and CEO of RYAM. “We are energized by the shared vision we’ve built with Verso and the prospect of creating meaningful environmental and economic value in Georgia and beyond.”
This agreement builds on a foundational agreement signed in December 2024, broadening the scope of cooperation between the two companies and solidifying their commitment to industrial innovation and decarbonisation.
Under the new agreement, the two companies will jointly conduct feasibility studies for multiple projects, including a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, H2 unit to produce renewable hydrogen and an e-fuel production unit to convert biogenic CO2 and green hydrogen into e-SAF.
These projects will potentially be located at RYAM’s Jesup site, leveraging its established industrial base and biogenic CO2 streams.
A feasibility study is already underway to assess the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of the proposed projects, with a final investment decision expected in the next 18 to 24 months.
“The Jesup site presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the scalable integration of carbon capture and renewable fuel production in North America,” added Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy. “Our strengthened partnership with RYAM allows us to move with purpose toward large-scale deployment of low-carbon fuels and to contribute decisively to the energy transition. This agreement underlines our long-term confidence in the U.S. market and our commitment to global climate goals.”
The agreement includes the formation of a joint steering committee, outlines an exclusivity period for project evaluation, and anticipates the negotiation of definitive agreements including a CO2 supply contract.