In the United States (US), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced US$291 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for projects that will help achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation by 2050 as part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda.
Announced on August 16, 2024, the FAST grants include:
- US$244.5 million for 22 projects that produce, transport, blend, or store SAF and for scoping studies related to SAF infrastructure needs. These grants will expand SAF production, enhance SAF supply chains, and increase SAF accessibility.
- US$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 Biden-Harris Administration is committed to enhancing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of our national air transportation system—and reaching our mid-century target of net-zero emissions. These grants will help put the world on a path toward decarbonizing aviation while fostering domestic economic growth and ensuring the US retains its global leadership in aviation, said US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
FAST grant awardees 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.
These awardees will carry out FAST projects in 23 states across the country.
The projects are instrumental in advancing our environmental and economic sustainability goals by facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels. All grant recipients are based in the U.S. and are working towards putting the aviation sector on a path to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan, said Laurence Wildgoose, FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International.
The FAST Grant Program complements existing FAA research and development on Energy, Technology, and Operations. The breakdown of project types is as follows:
- 7 SAF Tier 1 projects. These projects are conducting SAF supply chain studies to identify infrastructure needs.
- 15 SAF Tier 2 projects. These projects are building infrastructure for SAF production, transportation, blending, and storage.
- 13 Low-Emission Technology Category 1 projects. These projects are developing low-emission aviation technologies.
- 1 Low-Emission Technology Category 2 project. This project is developing test capabilities to advance low-emission aviation technologies.
