Major Energy Investment to Redevelop Former Refinery Site, Create High-Wage Jobs and Expand Domestic Fuel Production
DUNCAN, Okla. (June 4, 2026) — Green Fuels Operating has broken ground on a $400 million refinery project in Duncan, Oklahoma, marking a historic step forward for Stephens County and one of the most significant private energy investments in Oklahoma in a generation.
The groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation and the Stephens County Commissioners on May 29, 2026. The new refinery will be located at the site of a former refining complex that dates back to the 1920s, bringing the long-dormant industrial property back into productive use.
The project will support clean-engineered fuel production, create career-level jobs and generate long-term economic investment in Stephens County.
Green Fuels Operating to Invest $400 Million in Stephens County
Green Fuels Operating’s new refinery will bring modern refining technology to a historic energy site in Duncan. The facility will have an initial refining capacity of 30,000 barrels per day, with the ability to expand to 50,000 barrels per day. The site will also include storage capacity for up to one million barrels.
The refinery is expected to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year across three shifts.
The facility will produce a diverse portfolio of refined products, including:
- Asphalt
- Naphtha
- Kerosene
- Diesel
- Gasoline
- Aviation fuel
The company’s investment is expected to create 75 to 80 permanent full-time jobs, along with hundreds of indirect positions throughout the region. These jobs will include skilled trades, engineering, operations and technician roles.
“This groundbreaking is a proud moment for Stephens County,” said Lyle Roggow, President and CEO of the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation. “For decades, this property was a major employer and economic driver for our community. Thanks to the work of our county partners and state regulators, and to the vision of Green Fuels Operating, we are finally seeing this iconic site return to productive use. We look forward to the jobs, investment, and opportunity this redevelopment will bring to Stephens County families for generations to come.”
Historic Brownfield Site Returns to Productive Use
The Green Fuels Operating project represents a major milestone in the redevelopment of one of Stephens County’s most significant brownfield properties.
The site was formerly home to a refinery operated by Sunray Corporation, Sun Oil Company and Tosco Corporation. It operated as an aviation fuel producer from the 1920s until 1947, then continued as a general oil refinery and hydrocarbon storage facility through 1983, when Tosco Corporation closed the facility.
Following the refinery’s closure, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality conducted extensive environmental investigations. Through legal proceedings, ConocoPhillips Corporation was identified as the responsible party for remediation and has since completed the required environmental cleanup.
Stephens County took ownership of the site in 2004. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has now certified the property for brownfield redevelopment, subject to recorded covenants and use limitations. That certification helped clear the path for new industrial investment.
Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation Leads Site Redevelopment Effort
In February 2026, the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation entered into a management agreement with Stephens County to market, promote and facilitate economic development at the former refinery property.
As the successor to the Duncan Industrial Foundation and the region’s lead economic development organization since 1954, DAEDF began actively recruiting businesses for the site. The partnership with Green Fuels Operating is the first major result of those efforts.
The project reflects years of coordination among Stephens County, DAEDF, state regulators and private partners to responsibly reclaim the site and return it to economic use.
Advanced Refining Technology Supports Cleaner Fuel Production
Green Fuels Operating deploys advanced, patented hydrocarbon processing technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company uses flash vacuum separation and a closed-loop emissions capture system to reduce emissions, recover vapors and operate at lower processing temperatures than conventional refining.
The company says the new Duncan refinery will apply 21st-century engineering and environmental standards while building on the site’s long industrial heritage.
“We’re bringing the refinery back to Oklahoma. I’m not talking about it, I’m not studying it, I’m not running the numbers one more time. We’re actually doing it,” said Derek Williamson, CEO of Green Fuels Operating. “America has spent 50 years losing refineries. We made a decision: we’re going to change that story. Refining is coming home, and we’re just getting started.”
Project Strengthens Domestic Energy Security
The Duncan refinery investment comes at a time when domestic refining capacity remains a major focus for energy security and supply chain resilience. Nationally, the number of U.S. refineries has declined from 255 in 1977 to 124 today, with many existing facilities built before World War II.
Officials said Green Fuels Operating’s investment represents a deliberate step toward rebuilding domestic refining capacity while creating high-quality jobs in rural Oklahoma.
“This is an important step in being energy independent,” said Congressman Tom Cole. “We don’t just want to produce the product; we want to refine the product. We want to do it here in Oklahoma. This is going to be a great source of jobs, revenue, and pride for the community of Duncan. This is a big turnaround for the state of Oklahoma getting back in the refining business.”
Oklahoma Leaders Highlight Rural Economic Impact
The groundbreaking ceremony drew state and federal officials, including Congressman Tom Cole and Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, along with approximately 125 community leaders and supporters.
Lt. Governor Pinnell said the project demonstrates Oklahoma’s ability to compete for large-scale industrial investment and strengthen rural economies.
“This project represents a major vote of confidence in Oklahoma with a capital investment of approximately $400 million,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Investments like this strengthen our local economies, expand our tax base, and create opportunities across all 77 counties of our state. Oklahoma is competing nationally and globally for projects like this, and today proves that Oklahoma can compete and can win.”
Green Fuels Operating Builds on Duncan’s Energy Legacy
The Stephens County refinery property has played an important role in Duncan’s industrial history for more than a century. Green Fuels Operating’s new development will bring that legacy forward through modern refining practices, new technology and long-term capital investment.
“We are honored to break ground on this project and to invest in the future of Duncan and Stephens County,” said Williamson. “This site has a proud industrial legacy, and our goal is to build on that legacy by bringing clean fuel production, quality jobs, and long-term economic benefits back to this community. We are grateful for the partnership of DAEDF and the Stephens County Commissioners, and we look forward to growing alongside this region.”
Project Highlights
- Company: Green Fuels Operating
- Location: Duncan, Oklahoma
- County: Stephens County
- Investment: Approximately $400 million
- Facility Type: Modern refinery
- Initial Capacity: 30,000 barrels per day
- Expansion Capacity: Up to 50,000 barrels per day
- Storage Capacity: Up to one million barrels
- Permanent Jobs: 75 to 80 full-time positions
- Additional Impact: Hundreds of indirect regional jobs
- Products: Asphalt, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel
- Site History: Former refinery complex dating back to the 1920s
- Economic Development Partner: Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation
- Property Owner: Stephens County
- Regulatory Milestone: ODEQ brownfield redevelopment certification
Duncan Refinery Project Marks Major New Energy Investment
Green Fuels Operating’s $400 million refinery project represents a major industrial win for Duncan, Stephens County and Oklahoma’s energy sector. By redeveloping a former refinery site, creating skilled jobs and expanding domestic fuel production, the project supports long-term economic growth while reinforcing Oklahoma’s role in the nation’s energy future.
The investment also demonstrates how brownfield redevelopment can transform underused industrial properties into modern job-creating assets for rural communities.
About Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation
The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation has led economic development efforts in Stephens County, Oklahoma, since 1954. As the successor to the Duncan Industrial Foundation, DAEDF works to recruit new businesses, support existing employers and create quality jobs for area residents.
DAEDF manages the Stephens County Refinery Property under an agreement with the Stephens County Commissioners to position the site for new industrial investment. For more information, visit ok-duncan.com or call 580-255-9675.
About Green Fuels Operating
Green Fuels Operating deploys and operates advanced, patented hydrocarbon processing technology across a growing portfolio of modern refining projects. The company takes a practical approach to energy development by building facilities that are scalable, efficient and aligned with the needs of the markets they serve.
Through these systems, Green Fuels Operating produces high-margin products such as asphalt, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel using more efficient and optimized processing methods. For more information, visit www.greenfuelsop.com.
