Following the inking of a multi-year agreement, Montana Renewables has delivered the first shipment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Shell Aviation. The agreement enables the fuel supplier to expand and build its supply chain capabilities to blend and deliver SAF across the US.
Onward deliveries of the SAF will be uplifted by JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines, with the start of production making Montana Renewables the largest SAF producer in North America.
The delivery to Shell follows Delta’s agreement with the fuel supplier in April to purchase 10 million gallons of neat SAF. “This is a great example of the kind of action and investment needed in states across our country that we need to meet our aggressive SAF goals as an industry,” said Pam Fletcher, Chief Sustainability Officer, Delta Air Lines. “There’s not enough SAF being produced today to power the world’s commercial airlines for a single day, so we’re grateful to everyone at the State of Montana, Montana Renewables and Shell for providing the incentives and taking meaningful steps toward scaling production of this largest known lever we have decarbonising aviation.”
“Montana Renewables is a great example of what’s possible when there aren’t sideboards placed on innovation,” said Montana Governor, Greg Gianforte. “The result is a healthier environment, a stronger economy and more jobs.”
Shell and its affiliates are expanding and building supply chain capabilities to blend and distribute SAF enabling more customers to have access to the fuel and helping accelerate the pace of decarbonising the sector.
Montana Renewables CEO, Bruce Fleming, commented: “Strong support from the State of Montana, Cascade County and the City of Great Falls made possible the unique speed of Montana Renewables and Shell is the logical off take partner for us to reach multiple airlines and airports from our geographically advantaged site.”
