- The FAA awarded Washington State over $36 million through the FAST program, which supports sustainable aviation projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
- Four Washington-based companies, including BP America’s Cherry Point Refinery and ZeroAvia, received grants to develop sustainable aviation technologies such as SAF production and hydrogen fuel-cell-powered propulsion systems.
- Senator Patty Murray was pivotal in securing this funding, emphasising Washington State’s leadership in aerospace innovation and clean energy solutions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded over $36 million to Washington State for sustainable aviation projects. This funding, part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), comes from Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program, which supports the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and the development of low-emission aviation technologies.
Senator Patty Murray, crucial in passing the IRA in 2022, announced the grants in a press release. The FAST program, housed under the IRA, advances clean energy in aviation by focusing on two key areas: SAF production and low-emission aviation technology.
The SAF portion grants SAF production, transportation, blending, and storage projects. It also funds studies on SAF infrastructure needs. The low-emission technology portion funds developing and demonstrating new aviation technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Four Washington-based companies received the grant money to develop sustainable aviation technologies.
- BP America’s Cherry Point Refinery in Blaine secured $26.8 million to produce and blend SAF, which will help them produce between 10 and 25 million gallons of SAF.
- ZeroAvia in Everett obtained $4.2 million to design, build, and test hydrogen fuel-cell-powered propulsion systems.
- APiJET in Seattle received $4.5 million to develop software that recommends fuel-optimized airline routes, reducing CO2 emissions.
Boeing in Tukwila acquired $2.6 million to develop a more accurate fuel measurement method for aeroplane tanks, which will improve fuel load calculations.
Senator Murray, who recommended BP America and ZeroAvia for the grants, expressed pride in securing this funding. “These grants will propel us toward a stronger clean energy economy,” she said. “Washington State will continue to lead in aerospace innovation and clean energy solutions.”
The FAST program plays a vital role in the IRA’s efforts to reduce emissions and foster innovation in the aviation industry. The grant funding will help Washington State companies develop technologies that improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and advance sustainable aviation.
The $36 million in FAA grants will support various projects, from SAF production to hydrogen fuel-cell technology and advanced airline software. This funding positions Washington State as a leader in sustainable aviation and clean energy.
Senator Murray’s efforts to secure this funding underscore Washington’s role in the future of sustainable aviation. Bringing these federal dollars home, she creates jobs, reduces costs, and drives sustainability in aviation.
The grants align with the broader goals of the IRA and the FAST program, aiming to reduce emissions and foster innovation in the aviation industry. With this funding, Washington State stands poised to continue leading in developing sustainable aviation technologies.
The FAA’s $36 million grant to Washington State significantly advances sustainable aviation. The funding will drive the development of SAF, hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and other innovations that will make aviation more efficient and environmentally friendly.