SAUGET, Ill. – Crysalis Biosciences Inc. announced a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois agreement (REV Illinois) to develop a $239.5 million state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant. 

What You Need To Know

  • Crysalis Biosciences Inc. will develop a $239.5 million sustainable aviation fuel plant in Sauget

  • 35 jobs will be created with the new plant

  • This development will greatly reduce Illinois' carbon footprint

Joining them for the announcement were Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). 

The plant will bring 35 new jobs to Sauget while reducing the carbon footprint in Illinois by producing SAF, an alternative jet fuel made with a 90% lower carbon intensity score compared to traditional fossil-derived jet fuel.

“There is no better state equipped for the sustainable fuel industry than Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With a $239.5 million investment through REV Illinois, Crysalis Bioscience will build a ground breaking SAF plant right here in our state – advancing our mission to drive economic growth while reducing our carbon footprint. This marks a new era of clean energy production for Illinois, and we’re just getting started.”

Crysalis Biosciences, a bio-refining company using bio-chemical production technologies, aims to speed up the world’s transition to zero-carbon products and meet the increasing demand for SAF. They chose Sauget due to its numerous strategic geographic advantages. 

“Crysalis Biosciences is very appreciative of the support of the Governor and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the development of our first of a kind biorefinery," said Crysalis CEO Sanket Gandhi. “Crysalis’ biorefinery is bringing innovative zero-carbon chemistry and technology developed in the lab to the market.”

Crysalis also restarted a 57-acre Metro East ethanol plant to produce 5,000 to 10,000 barrels a day of SAF and SAF feedstock. Their commitment to hit stringent environmental standards set them up to acquire the first environmental authorizations to begin operations under new Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Standards.

The REV between Crysalis and Illinois is the first agreement for a SAF project. REV incentivizes EV, solar, renewable and energy storage manufacturers to move or expand in Illinois.

Local lawmakers praise the SAF project.

“The Metro East community will greatly benefit from Crysalis’ new sustainable aviation fuel facility in Sauget,” said Senator Christopher Belt, D - East St. Louis. “From creating new jobs to lowering carbon emissions, this innovative facility is just what the State is looking to invest in with its REV program.”

“There’s no time to waste when fighting climate change, and Crysalis Biosciences is helping Illinois on its journey toward a zero-carbon future,” said Representative Katie Stuart, D - Collinsville. “As part of our world-class manufacturing workforce, Crysalis’ sustainable aviation fuel technology will have a lasting impact.”

Illinois has celebrated multiple other major REV agreements this year including the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian investing $1.5 billion in Central Illinois, EV manufacturer Ymer Technology opening their headquarters in Buffalo Grove, and EV component manufacturer Wieland Rolled Products North America improving their East Alton facility, one of six in Illinois, to name a few.