US govt. targets 35 bgy of SAF supply by 2050, creates mechanisms to achieve goal

The U.S. federal government is taking broad measures to advance production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the White House and various departments announced Sept. 9.

Dubbed the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, the effort ultimately intends to reach the goal of supplying at least 3 billion gallons per year (bgy) of SAF by 2030 and 35 bgy by 2050, which the White House says would be enough to fulfill 100 percent of the U.S.’s projected annual demand for aviation fuel by then.

A number of grants, loan guarantees and other support measures and incentives are being put forth to promote widespread domestic production and use of SAF.

The White House issued a detailed fact sheet Sept. 9. In addition, the USDA published a press release on its role in the effort. As part of the approach, the DOE also released information about $65 million in funding for specific R&D projects in the SAF and marine biofuel sectors.

The Biden administration intends to release a comprehensive aviation climate-action plan in the coming months.