Project in Brownsville, Texas, would be the first new American refinery in 50 years, aiming to boost energy independence amid global turmoil
In a major policy announcement, former President Donald Trump revealed plans for a $300 billion oil refinery in Texas, developed in partnership with India’s Reliance Industries—a project he heralds as the largest of its kind in the U.S. in six decades.
The facility, to be built in Brownsville by America First Refining (AFR), would be the first new oil refinery in the United States in 50 years, according to Trump. He described the venture as a “historic” investment enabled by his “America First” policy agenda.
“I am proud to announce that America First Refining is opening the FIRST new US Oil Refinery in 50 YEARS in Brownsville, Texas,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday. He added that the project would be “THE CLEANEST REFINERY IN THE WORLD” and a “massive win for American workers, energy and the great people of South Texas.”
Trump credited Indian investment as key to the deal. “Thank you to our partners in India and their largest privately held energy company, Reliance, for this tremendous investment,” he said.
Reliance Industries has not yet commented on the announcement. However, its shares rose by two per cent on Indian stock markets Wednesday morning, signaling positive investor sentiment.
According to AFR, the refinery secured a nine-figure investment from a “global supermajor” earlier this year, though the company did not name Reliance or disclose specific financial details. AFR also said it had signed a binding 20-year off-take agreement with the same partner to process and distribute American shale oil exclusively for U.S. markets.
The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and strengthen national energy security by reducing dependence on foreign refining capacity, much of which has aged or been shuttered in recent decades.
Media reports suggest the Brownsville refinery may be a rebranding of a previously proposed facility by Element Fuels, which secured permits in June 2024 to build a plant capable of processing 160,000 barrels per day.
Trump’s announcement comes amid rising energy prices linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, as his administration pushes for “U.S. energy dominance” through increased domestic production of oil, natural gas, and coal.
