McDermott has secured a master services agreement (MSA) from Gevo Inc., to provide front end engineering and early planning services for Gevo's development of multiple sustainable aviation fuel facilities in North America. The first facility, Net-Zero 1, is expected to be constructed near Lake Preston, South Dakota. The Net-Zero 1 plant is expected to produce up to 65 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), diesel and renewable gasoline that, when consumed, is expected to have a lifecycle net-zero greenhouse gas footprint.

Under the scope of the MSA, McDermott will provide engineering, execution planning and pricing for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phase of Gevo's Net-Zero 1 project. The MSA is expected to lead to a final EPC agreement with Gevo for its Net-Zero 1 project to be finalized in coordination with the timing of Gevo's financing activities for its Net-Zero 1 project. The Net-Zero 1 plant will not only contribute to sustainable aviation fuel production but also has the potential to generate 550 million pounds of high-value nutritional products annually.

The electricity needed to power the plant will come from wind energy, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to fuel production. Additionally, the thermal energy needs of the plant are expected to be met by renewable natural gas (RNG) sourced from upstream facilities that produce RNG using manure from dairy cattle and livestock. The project will be led by McDermott's team in Houston, Texas, with support from its engineering team in Gurugram, India.