
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Minnesota is set to enhance its role in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector with the launch of a new SAF blending facility at Pine Bend refinery. This facility, the first of its kind in the Midwest, will be pivotal in supplying SAF to Delta Air Lines’ hub at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) via existing pipelines. This initiative is a direct outcome of the Minnesota SAF Hub’s strategy, which was established in 2023 to create a fully integrated SAF supply chain within the state.
The SAF blending facility is a collaboration between Delta and Flint Hills Resources. It will have the capacity to blend up to 30 million gallons of neat SAF annually, combining it with conventional jet fuel. The project is significant not only for its scale but also because it represents the first facility of its type between the U.S. coasts. The facility’s operation will streamline the SAF supply chain by integrating Shell’s expertise in SAF production with Flint Hills’ established logistics for fuel distribution.
“This blending facility sends a strong signal to SAF producers: Minnesota is open for business and ready to lead in sustainable aviation fuel production.” – Peter Carter, Delta’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs
In addition to this facility, the Minnesota SAF Hub has announced the formation of a “Demand Consortium” involving major corporations such as Delta, Bank of America, Deloitte, and Ecolab. This consortium is designed to stabilize the SAF market by securing multi-year purchasing agreements for SAF, starting in the second half of 2025. These agreements are crucial for ensuring a steady demand that can support the scaling of SAF production, making it more financially viable in the long term.
Further bolstering Minnesota’s SAF capabilities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $16.8 million grant to convert an existing ethanol facility in Luverne, Minnesota, into an alcohol-to-jet fuel plant. This conversion will enable the local production of SAF, utilizing Minnesota’s abundant agricultural resources. The plant will be the first in the state to convert local crops into SAF, representing a significant advancement in regional feedstock utilization.
The Minnesota SAF Hub is also exploring next-generation feedstocks for SAF production. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are developing winter camelina, a crop that shows promise for producing SAF. The first batch of SAF derived from camelina is expected to be delivered to MSP this fall, highlighting the state’s commitment to innovative and sustainable fuel sources.
Source: news.delta.com