FAA Announces $300 Million for Net-Zero Goal Projects

The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, described as the largest climate investment in history, according to the FAA.

“We have a need for speed in this race, and thanks to President [Joe] Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have more resources than ever before to accelerate this critical work,” said Laurence Wildgoose, FAA assistant administrator for policy, international affairs, and environment. “We look forward to receiving applications that can help accelerate the use of high-integrity SAF and the development of powerful, low-emission aviation technologies.” 

The new Fueling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST)-SAF grants will be given to entities that focus on the production, transport, and blending of sustainable aviation fuels.

Airports, air carriers, universities, aviation and aerospace companies, state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations are eligible for the grants to develop the technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve aircraft fuel efficiency, and increase the usage of SAF.

The competitive grant process opened Monday. The FAA’s target for the first round of grant awards is mid-2024. More information about how to apply may be found here.

The U.S. aviation industry has set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

To achieve it, the FAA has awarded over $100 million to various entities to develop and implement technologies to reduce the fuel burn, emissions, and noise in the aircraft industry. Among the avenues under consideration are the development of scalable and sustainable electric-powered aircraft and other airport vehicles.