$291 Million in US Grants Boost Low-Emission Aviation Technologies and SAF Production

3 months ago Editor

The FAA awards $291 million in grants to accelerate aviation decarbonization, supporting sustainable aviation fuels and low-emission technologies across 36 projects nationwide.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has allocated $291 million in new grants to accelerate the decarbonization of air travel. These funds, provided under the Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program, are earmarked for projects that focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and low-emission technologies. The initiative aims to help the aviation industry meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Of the total grant, $244.5 million, or 84%, will support projects related to the production, storage, and distribution of SAF. The remaining $46.5 million is dedicated to advancing low-emission aviation technologies, such as new aircraft designs, propulsion systems, and flight planning software. A total of 36 projects across 22 states will benefit from this funding, including major initiatives by companies like Martinez Renewables, BP Products North America, and Boeing.

Notable grants include $50 million to Martinez Renewables for upgrades to its California plant, aiming to produce up to 350 million gallons of SAF annually by 2027. Additionally, JetZero received $8 million to develop lightweight composite materials for its Blended Wing Body aircraft, while ZeroAvia was awarded $4.2 million to advance hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. These grants are expected to significantly enhance the US’s leadership in sustainable aviation and foster economic growth.

The FAST program’s funding will also support various universities and state agencies in exploring new SAF supply chain models and developing test facilities for zero-emission aircraft systems. With these investments, the FAA is setting the stage for a more sustainable future in aviation, aligned with global climate goals.