Momentum is building nationally to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) deployment to decarbonize the aviation sector. The Rocky Mountain region (RMR), consisting of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, is well-positioned to take advantage of this push because it has growing demand, significant SAF feedstocks, existing industrial infrastructure, and legislative support. Though it is widely recognized as a pivotal solution for sustainable aviation, there is no significant SAF production in the RMR yet. However, the region possesses untapped opportunities to foster a blossoming SAF industry as the aviation industry accelerates net-zero operations.
This report “Fueling Up Sustainable Aviation” by RMI explores the production potential of SAF in the RMR with a focus on the availability of feedstock in the region as well as policy options to encourage SAF production and uptake. The report looks at the potential of available in-region feedstocks to meet an ambitious target for SAF supply based on the US SAF Grand Challenge, a collaborative effort launched in 2021 by the US Department of Energy (DOE), US Department of Transportation, and US Department of Agriculture, and options to fill the remaining gaps.
Significant strides have been made at the national level to provide support for SAF suppliers, off-takers, and other stakeholders, and some states have begun to provide additional support to attract the production of SAF. By providing a holistic view of the SAF landscape in the RMR, this report seeks to contribute to discourse and understanding of the short-, medium-, and long-term actions that must take place to strategically aid SAF development within the region.
Access the complete report here
