Washington, D.C. – The Biden-Harris Administration continues to make significant strides in decarbonizing the aviation sector as part of its broader efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable growth in the United States. On August 16, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a groundbreaking $291 million in grants through the Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program. These funds, derived from the Inflation Reduction Act, are designated to accelerate the production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and advance low-emission aviation technologies.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the administration’s commitment to enhancing the sustainability of the national air transportation system. “These grants are pivotal in placing the world on a path toward decarbonizing aviation while simultaneously fostering domestic economic growth,” Buttigieg stated.
The FAST grants are divided into two key categories:
- $244.5 million for SAF-related projects: This funding supports 22 projects focused on producing, transporting, blending, and storing SAF, as well as conducting studies to assess the infrastructure needs for SAF deployment. The aim is to significantly expand SAF production and supply chains, making SAF more accessible and integral to the aviation industry’s fuel mix.
- $46.5 million for low-emission aviation technologies: This portion of the funding is allocated to 14 projects that will develop, demonstrate, or apply technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving aircraft fuel efficiency, and increasing the use of SAF.
Among the notable projects receiving grants is a $16.8 million award to Gevo, Inc. to convert a Minnesota-based fuel facility into an alcohol-to-jet production plant for SAF. Another significant grant of $8 million was awarded to JetZero, Inc. to develop technologies for a highly fuel-efficient blended-wing-body aircraft, with work occurring across multiple states.
Laurence Wildgoose, FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and Environment, highlighted the importance of these projects, noting that they are crucial for advancing the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan’s objectives. All awardees are U.S.-based entities, including fuel producers, supply chain companies, aircraft manufacturers, state and local governments, airport authorities, and universities.
Analysis: This substantial investment by the FAA reflects a decisive step toward achieving the U.S. aviation sector’s ambitious target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By funding a broad array of projects across the SAF supply chain and advancing cutting-edge low-emission aviation technologies, the administration is fostering innovation while addressing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in aviation.
“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.” – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg
The selection of diverse projects—ranging from SAF production facilities to advanced aircraft technology development—underscores the multifaceted approach required to decarbonize aviation. The collaboration between public and private sectors, as evidenced by these awards, is critical in building the necessary infrastructure and technological base for a sustainable aviation future.
Source: FAA Announcement on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Technologies Funding
