Projects Will Help Achieve Net-Zero Emissions By 2050

The Federal Aviation Administration announced $291 million in awards from the Inflation Reduction Act. This will assist in development of sustainable aviation fuel and technologies.

The goal of the funding is to push for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 2050. This mission is a part of the Investing in America Agenda, which was passed under the Biden-Harris Administration.

The awards have already been allocated through Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) grants. $244.5 million will be going towards 7 SAF Tier 1 projects studying infrastructure needs and 15 SAF Tier 2 projects constructing infrastructure. The other $46.5 million will support 13 Low-Emission Technology Category 1 projects developing low emission technologies and 1 Low-Emission Technology Category 2 project advancing test capabilities.

“The projects are instrumental in advancing our environmental and economic sustainability goals by facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels,” commented Laurence Wildgoose, the FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs and Environment.

Grant recipients are established and startup companies working in fuel production, fuel logistics, airport authorities, universities, and manufacturers.

Gevo, Inc. received one of the largest awards. They are a SAF producer that uses alcohol-to-jet technology to create Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (ATJ-SPK), one of the only non-fossil-based alternative jet fuels used in commercial aviation. Their $16.8 million grant will be used to convert an existing fuel manufacturing center in Luverne, Minnesota to a new alcohol-to-jet facility.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg explained that “these grants will help put the world on a path toward decarbonizing aviation while fostering domestic economic growth and ensuring the U.S. retains its global leadership in aviation.”

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.gevo.com