America First Refining has announced the development of the first new oil refinery in the US in half a century, set to be constructed at the Port of Brownsville, Texas.
The project is part of a significant agreement involving a 20-year offtake deal with an undisclosed global supermajor, making it the largest energy transaction in US history.
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The agreement involves the purchase and processing of 1.2 billion barrels (bbbl) of US light shale oil, valued at $125bn, and the production of 50 billion gallons of refined products worth $175bn.
The refinery will specifically process American light shale oil, which is considered more efficient to refine than imported crude. It will have the capability to process approximately 60 million barrels (mbbl) per year, entirely sourced from US shale oil.
This initiative contributes to reducing reliance on foreign oil and aims to bolster US national and economic security by redirecting domestic crude for local refining.
Scheduled to break ground in the second quarter of 2026, this development could improve the US trade imbalance by $300bn.
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By GlobalDataPositioned at a strategic deep-water port, the refinery will facilitate distribution to both domestic and international markets. It is expected to produce some of the cleanest gasoline, diesel and jet fuel available in large quantities in the country.
The construction of the refinery aligns with US President Donald Trump’s America First energy agenda and represents a major capital investment, supported by a nine-figure financial input from an undisclosed global supermajor at a ten-figure valuation.
President Trump tweeted on X: “America is returning to REAL ENERGY DOMINANCE! Today I am proud to announce that America First Refining is opening the FIRST new US Oil Refinery in 50 YEARS in Brownsville, Texas.
“THIS IS A HISTORIC $300 BILLION DOLLAR DEAL — THE BIGGEST IN US HISTORY, A MASSIVE WIN for American Workers, Energy, and the GREAT People of South Texas. Thank you to our partners in India, and their largest privately held Energy Company, Reliance, for this tremendous Investment.
“It is because of our America First Agenda, streamlining Permits, and lowering Taxes, that have attracted Billions of Dollars in Deals coming back to our Nation. A new Refinery at the Port of Brownsville will fuel US Markets, strengthen our National Security, boost American Energy production, deliver Billions of Dollars in Economic impact, and will be THE CLEANEST REFINERY IN THE WORLD.
“It will power Global Exports, and bring THOUSANDS of long overdue Jobs and Growth to a Region that deserves it. This is what AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE looks like. AMERICA FIRST, ALWAYS!”
The location at the Port of Brownsville benefits from its designation as an Economic Opportunity Zone, promising substantial economic impact through job creation and investment in South Texas.
From 2014 to 2024, the US exported close to 10bbbl of crude, while importing around 28bbbl, costing consumers significantly.
The new facility aims to redirect up to 60mbbl annually for domestic use, supporting US industrial strength and energy security.
America First Refining chairman and founder John V. Calce said: “This project represents a historic step forward for American energy production. For the first time in half a century, the US will build a new refinery designed specifically for American shale oil.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the resurgence of an America First energy policy, we are 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.”
