Governor Greg Abbott announced on January 29, 2025, that Summit Next Gen, LLC has been designated a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The company plans to build a sustainable aviation fuel manufacturing and refining facility along the Houston Ship Channel in Harris County. According to the governor’s office, the project represents the first application under the JETI Act, which was co-sponsored by Senator Carol Alvarado in 2023.
What it means
The designation allows Summit Next Gen to proceed with a $1.6 billion capital investment for what the company describes as the largest ethanol-to-jet fuel production facility announced to date in North America. The facility will be located on the Houston Ship Channel, and Houston will serve as the company’s future headquarters. Governor Abbott stated that the investment supports the future of Harris County and the state.
Galena Park Independent School District is a participating party in the JETI application, marking one of the first instances of a Texas school district engaging with the program. Summit Next Gen CEO Robert Halpin said the company is thrilled to advance the development of the facility.
Key facts
- $1.6 billion in capital investment
- Harris County, Houston Ship Channel location
- Largest ethanol-to-jet fuel production facility announced to date in North America
- First application under the Texas JETI program
- Galena Park Independent School District is a participating party
- Robert Halpin, CEO of Summit Next Gen
- John Moore, Ed.D., Superintendent of Galena Park ISD
- Ben Pape, CFO of Galena Park ISD
Source: Office of Governor Greg Abbott news release (gov.texas.gov)