The US Department of Energy (DOE) released its latest report in the Pathways to Commercial Liftoff series, highlighting the transformative potential of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the aviation industry, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
The report titled Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Sustainable Aviation Fuel analyzes the readiness for SAF production and outlines specific measures for both public and private sectors to enhance SAF production to make the US a leader in SAF by 2030.
Jennifer M. Granholm. US Secretary of Energy said, “With the aviation sector growing each year, there is no better time to invest in solutions that are both technologically and commercially ready today.”
She added, “The latest in DOE’s Liftoff series, this report lays out the critical innovations and investments needed to drive down costs and further scale SAF production—paving the way for a cleaner, more competitive aviation sector that will benefit communities and businesses nationwide.”
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The Liftoff report expects over three billion gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030, providing 10% of US jet fuel. This could lead to over $44 billion in investments and 70,000 jobs.
However, SAF costs 2 to 10 times more than fossil jet fuel, necessitating government incentives. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of long-term purchasing agreements and international policy coordination to encourage wider SAF adoption.
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Supporting Investments and DOE Loan Guarantees
The DOE’s Loan Programs Office is providing over $2.9 billion in conditional loan guarantees for sustainable aviation fuel production. This includes $1.44 billion for Montana Renewables, LLC, to enhance a facility that converts vegetable oils into SAF.
Additionally, $1.46 billion is allocated for Gevo Net-Zero 1, LLC, to establish a new SAF production site in South Dakota.
The DOE’s Pathways to Commercial Liftoff series offers analysis on deploying SAF and other large-scale clean energy technologies.
Each report draws from extensive industry engagement, modelling, and input from public forums.