The US Department of Energy (DOE) is committing $3 billion through its Loan Programs Office to two companies focused on producing sustainable aviation fuel. This investment aims to reduce air travel emissions while fostering a cleaner energy approach for powering aircraft, ultimately benefiting both the economy and the environment. Sustainable aviation fuel projects is going to play a key role for the country.
Montana Renewables Receives $1.44 Million
As per the media report, Montana Renewables is one of the recipients of this funding. The company already operates one of the largest sustainable aviation fuel facilities in the U.S., producing approximately 30 million gallons annually. The new investment will enhance its production capacity across all three areas of its business, which includes renewable diesel and naphtha, enabling it to convert everyday waste products, such as vegetable oil and grease, into more environmentally friendly energy.
Gevo Secures $1.46 Million
Gevo, based in Lake Preston, South Dakota, is the second company to receive funding from the DOE. With a production capacity of 60 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel, Gevo also offers products like corn oil and animal feed. This investment will help the company work towards a net-zero carbon footprint and support its alcohol-to-jet production initiative through the establishment of a new facility, reported Reuters.
Targeting Air Travel Emissions
The DOE has intensified its focus on reducing air travel emissions in recent years. In 2022, it outlined a plan aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in aviation, primarily through sustainable aviation fuel, reflecting a strategic push for increased funding for high-capacity producers.
Aviation’s Sustainable Future
Globally, airlines and governments are increasingly prioritizing the use of sustainable aviation fuel. The DOE’s financial commitment aligns with international efforts, including the EU’s goal for 2% of aviation fuel to be sustainable by 2025. Notable examples include Virgin Atlantic’s use of this cleaner fuel for flights from the UK to New York last autumn and Airbus’s development of hydrogen-powered aircraft.
