America First Refining has secured a binding 20-year offtake term sheet and a nine-figure investment from a global supermajor to construct a state-of-the-art oil refinery designed specifically for American shale oil.[1] The project, valued at $3 billion in construction costs, represents the first new U.S. Gulf Coast refinery built in nearly 50 years and will have a capacity of 168,000 barrels per day.[2]
Project Details and Partnerships
The agreement commits to purchasing and processing 1.2 billion barrels of U.S. light shale oil, valued at $125 billion, to produce 50 billion gallons of refined products worth $175 billion. America First Refining, formerly known as Element Fuel Holdings LLC, will partner with entities including Reliance Industries, India's largest private energy company. The refinery incorporates advanced technologies for efficiency and reduced emissions, positioning it as a modern energy facility.[1]
"For the first time in half a century, the United States will build a new refinery designed specifically for American shale oil... creating thousands of high-quality jobs while ensuring more of our nation’s energy resources are refined here at home in the cleanest, most efficient refinery on the planet."— John Calce, Chairman and CEO, America First Refining[2]
Development at the Port of Brownsville has been in progress for 12 years with the Brownsville Navigation District. Site preparation and pre-construction work were completed in 2024, with necessary permits already secured. The project is anticipated to generate 300 full-time jobs upon completion.[2]
"We do know that the construction will be $3 billion, and 300 full-time jobs once the refinery is in production. So it’s a huge project."— Esteban “Steve” Guerra, Chairman, Brownsville Navigation District[2]
America First Refining stands to benefit significantly from this development, advancing its position in the energy sector through innovative refining capabilities. For more information, visit the company website. The project enhances the port’s role as an energy hub, with groundbreaking expected in the second quarter of 2026, paving the way for increased construction activity and long-term operational employment opportunities.
The content of this article was computed by analyzing available sources.