The Federal Aviation Administration recently issued $291 million provided by the Inflation Reduction Act enacted in 2022 for projects that will help achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 2050.
[Above image via FAA]
The agency noted that those grants, via its Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition or FAST program, include:
- $244.5 million for 22 projects that produce, transport, blend or store sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and for scoping studies related to SAF infrastructure needs. SAF is a jet fuel made from renewable sources that reduces carbon pollution on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel and can be used safely in today’s aircraft and engines. These grants will expand SAF production, enhance SAF supply chains, and increase SAF accessibility.
- $46.5 million for 14 projects that develop, demonstrate or apply low-emission aviation technologies. These grants will reduce carbon pollution, improve aircraft fuel efficiency, and increase SAF use.
“The projects are instrumental in advancing our environmental and economic sustainability goals by facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels,” noted Laurence Wildgoose, FAA’s assistant administrator for policy, international affairs, and environment, in a statement.
The FAST grant awardees, which oversee projects in 23 states, include established and startup fuel producers; fuel logistics and supply chain companies; engine, aircraft, and component manufacturers; state and local governments; airport authorities; and universities.