Proposed facility will advance regional and national development of hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel industries, reducing aviation sector emissions while creating thousands of jobs

Today, two members of the Waste Gas Capture Initiative (WGCI), KeyState Energy and CNX Resources Corp., announced a collaboration with Pittsburgh International Airport to bring a 70-million-gallon hydrogen/ sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility to the airport’s property. The hydrogen/SAF project aims to utilize the 45V hydrogen production credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and waste coal mine methane (CMM) emissions as feedstock to create low carbon intensity alternative fuel, pending forthcoming U.S. Department of Treasury implementation rules.

“This is an exciting development at a pivotal time for the clean hydrogen economy. Hydrogen produced from captured coal mine methane is one of the most effective methods to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, including aviation,” said WGCI Executive Director Mike Moore. “This project shows in clear terms what can be possible in the effort to reduce emissions through smart, innovative, and effective policy, enabling industries and consumers to protect the environment while supporting thousands of good-paying jobs.”

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development recently analyzed CMM as a pathway to a hydrogen economy in Southwest Pennsylvania, identifying over 30 potential projects within the next 15 years. If the full 45V hydrogen production credits can be utilized, these projects can potentially create over 200,000 construction jobs and $213 billion in economic output.

The planned $1.5 billion project aims to strengthen national SAF production, supporting a significant reduction in aviation emissions by 2030 and positioning the region as a key player in the SAF industry. The facility will produce up to 68,000 metric tons of low carbon intensity hydrogen or up to 70 million gallons of SAF annually to meet revised energy standards. The project is expected to create 3,000 direct construction jobs, creating an immediate impact on the Southwest Pennsylvania economy.

Read the full announcement here.

About the WGCI

The WGCI represents leading American energy industry partners, NGOs, and experts who are committed to recognizing the economic benefits and environmental impact of a strong mine methane capture industry. Visit wastegascapture.com and follow @WGCInitiative on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn for more information.

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