Texas Construction News staff writer
Infinium has started has construction on what is expected to become the world’s largest eFuels production facility in West Texas.
The facility, named “Project Roadrunner,” is located in Reeves County near Pecos. Upon its expected completion in 2027, the plant is projected to produce 7.6 million gallons (23,000 tonnes) of sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) and other eFuel products annually.
The project is backed by investors including Brookfield Asset Management and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. Infinium has secured offtake agreements with major aviation clients, including American Airlines and IAG, the parent company of British Airways.
“Infinium’s Project Roadrunner marks a huge achievement for the fuel industry,” said Infinium CEO Robert Schuetzle. “It will bring highly skilled jobs and economic growth to the Pecos community and state of Texas.”
The plant will convert waste carbon dioxide and renewable energy into synthetic, “drop-in” fuels that are chemically identical to conventional petroleum-based fuels.
Construction Industry Adds 15K Jobs in June, But Economist Warns on Interest Rates
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. construction industry added a net 15,000 jobs in June, marking the second consecutive month of growth, according to a July 3 analysis of federal data by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
The nonresidential sector led the gains, adding 9,200 positions. This growth was driven entirely by nonresidential specialty trade contractors, which added 12,400 jobs, while heavy/civil engineering and nonresidential building lost 2,800 and 400 jobs, respectively.
The national construction unemployment rate fell to 3.4% last month.
Despite the positive employment report, ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu issued a warning regarding borrowing costs.
“While many will cheer this jobs report, some construction firm leaders may not be among that group,” said Basu. “While abating fears of recession are comforting, these data effectively slammed the door shut on a July Federal Reserve interest rate cut. A growing fraction of contractors is experiencing weakness in backlog as projects are postponed in an uncertain economic environment coupled with stubbornly elevated borrowing costs.”
