The Biden-Harris administration continues its push for a green economy with a significant investment in biofuels. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has closed a $1.67 billion loan guarantee to Montana Renewables, LLC (MRL) to expand its renewable fuels facility in Great Falls, Montana. This expansion will support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha. The loan marks a crucial step in advancing the administration’s commitment to sustainable fuels and carbon reduction across the nation.

Expanding Sustainable Fuel Production to Meet Growing Demand

The Great Falls facility, which has been in operation since late 2022, currently produces 140 million gallons of biofuels annually, primarily renewable diesel. With the new funding, MRL aims to boost its output to 315 million gallons per year, with SAF making up the majority of production. The facility’s expansion will position MRL as one of the world’s leading producers of SAF, accounting for an estimated 12% of global SAF production by 2030, and about half of North America’s supply.

Sustainable aviation fuel plays a crucial role in decarbonizing the aviation industry, which contributes significantly to U.S. emissions. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s SAF Grand Challenge, the goal is to increase U.S. SAF production to 3 billion gallons annually by 2030 and 35 billion by 2050. SAF is one of the most viable near-term solutions for reducing emissions in the airline sector, responsible for 11% of U.S. transportation emissions.

Job Creation and Community Impact

The expansion is expected to create significant job opportunities, including 450 construction jobs and up to 40 new operations roles. Additionally, the project aligns with the administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that 40% of the benefits from federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. MRL has also committed to community engagement through its comprehensive Community Benefits Plan (CBP), ensuring that local workers and labor groups are meaningfully involved.

The loan guarantee is part of the broader effort to support sustainable fuels, create jobs, and reduce emissions in key industries like aviation. This project will not only provide cleaner fuel alternatives but also stimulate economic growth in rural communities while advancing the U.S. goal of a greener, more sustainable future.