U.S DOE Announces $1.67 Billion to Montana Renewables to Expand Sustainable Fuel Production

The Department of Energy (DOE) has approved a $1.67 billion loan guarantee for Montana Renewables, LLC (MRL) to expand its renewable fuels facility in Great Falls, Montana, significantly boosting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. The expansion will increase the facility’s biofuel output from 140 million to 315 million gallons annually, with SAF comprising the majority, making MRL a top global SAF producer. This project supports the Biden Administration’s SAF Grand Challenge, aiming for 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030 and 35 billion by 2050, critical for decarbonizing aviation, which accounts for 11% of U.S. transportation emissions. The initiative will create 450 construction jobs and 40 permanent operational roles, prioritizing local and unionized hiring, while addressing environmental justice under the Justice40 Initiative to benefit disadvantaged communities near Great Falls. The project also repurposes part of an oil refinery, aligning with the DOE’s Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment program to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy. Resources: https://esgnews.com/u-s-doe-announces-1-67-billion-to-montana-renewables-to-expand-sustainable-fuel-production/