SAFX
Reno is finally getting off the runway
XCF Global says its New Rise Renewables Reno facility is progressing toward initial production, with the startup phase expected to begin with renewable diesel before eventually shifting into sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. In other words: the company is trying to get the plant humming now and keep the door open for the shinier aviation-fuel story later.
Why investors should care
The timing is not random. Jet fuel prices are running about 70% higher year over year in 2026, while U.S. diesel prices are up more than 50%, thanks to global supply disruptions. That’s the kind of backdrop that can make a renewable fuel producer look a lot less like a science project and a lot more like a hedge against messy energy markets.
The startup playbook
XCF’s setup is basically the corporate version of “start with the reliable thing, then upgrade once the kitchen stops catching fire.” The Reno facility is expected to:
- begin with renewable diesel production during startup and optimization
- transition into SAF as part of its planned operating configuration
- benefit from a fuel market where both conventional diesel and jet fuel are unusually expensive
Bigger picture
This is still a company in execution mode, not victory-lap mode. But in an industry where plants, permits, and feedstocks can turn into years-long soap operas, even a concrete step toward production is something investors will notice. Big picture: XCF is trying to turn volatile fuel markets into a tailwind, and the Reno facility is the whole bet.