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Key Impact Points:
- Major Investment: The U.S. Department of Energy commits nearly $3 billion in loan guarantees for two sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects.
- Capacity Expansion: Calumet’s Montana facility aims to produce 315 million gallons of biofuels annually, primarily SAF.
- Strategic Goals: The White House targets 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030, with a vision for 100% aviation fuel demand met by SAF by 2050.
Loan Guarantees Approved
On October 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy announced conditional loan guarantees totaling nearly $3 billion for two significant sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects.
Calumet’s Montana Facility
The first commitment includes up to $1.44 billion for Calumet’s facility expansion in Montana. This facility will utilize vegetable oils, fats, and greases to produce SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha. If finalized, the loan guarantee will enable the production of approximately 315 million gallons of biofuels annually, with most being SAF.
The Department of Energy noted, “Once the Montana facility reaches full capacity, its output would represent 10% of the SAF Grand Challenge goal of 3 billion gallons annually by 2030.”
Related Article: Air France-KLM and TotalEnergies Expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership with 1.5 Million-Ton Deal
Gevo’s Innovative Project
The second loan guarantee, up to $1.46 billion, is allocated to Gevo for financing a corn starch-to-jet fuel facility in Lake Preston, South Dakota. This facility will be the first integrated, commercial-scale operation in the U.S. to convert corn starch to SAF while incorporating carbon capture and renewable power.
Future Projections
The U.S. Energy Information Administration anticipates a 50% increase in domestic biofuel production in 2024, driven by rising SAF production. The White House aims to meet all U.S. aviation fuel demand with SAF by 2050 and to supply at least 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030.
Conclusion
These loan guarantees represent a significant step toward advancing sustainable aviation fuel production in the U.S., aligning with national goals for renewable energy and emissions reduction in the aviation sector.