New facility in Hayward will turn Wisconsin wood into aviation fuel
Madison, WI – Today, Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and Representative Chanz Green (R- Grand View), along with industry leaders, local officials, and investors, introduced legislation to support Wisconsin’s forestry industry and the broader Northwoods economy. The Forestry Revitalization Act will invest in a new facility located in Hayward, WI to turn woody biomass into sustainable aviation fuel.
“This is a big day for Northern Wisconsin- we’re looking at over $1 billion in annual economic impact and over 350 high-paying, local jobs, all while bolstering our forestry industry,” said Sen. Felzkowski. “I am also thrilled that in addition to the economic impacts, this facility will help maintain clean forests, lowering the risk of forest fires and haze resulting from extreme smoke.”
To compliment approximately $1.5 billion of private investment, the Forestry Revitalization Act will invest $210 million ($60 million in WEDC Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and $150 million in state bonding through the forestry account) to the new Hayward facility. The facility will turn CORSIA-qualified woody biomass (bark, branches, cutter shavings, tree tops, etc.) into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and naphtha, primarily for export. The European Union (E.U.) is phasing in regulations to require SAF to be mixed with conventional aviation fuel. By 2050, the E.U. will require 70% SAF.
“This is not just an investment in Hayward and Northern Wisconsin, it’s an investment in our loggers, our truckers, our energy producers, and all of the jobs that will benefit from this facility,” said Rep. Green. “Wisconsin’s forestry industry is strong, and we need to keep it that way.”
The Forestry Revitalization Act guarantees that 80% of the wood used in the Hayward facility will be sourced from Wisconsin. The legislation also includes a guarantee that the facility must be used for the production of sustainable aviation fuel at least until the maturity of the bond. The facility is expected to be at full production capability in 2029.
