What is sustainable aviation fuel?
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a low-carbon synthetic fuel made from non-petroleum sources that is blended with traditional jet fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation. Jet airplanes can use SAF now without requiring new engines, fuel tanks, aircraft design, or additional safety evaluation.
The production and use of SAF is the highest-impact near-term strategy for reducing the aviation industry’s contributions to climate change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, use of SAF has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 94% compared with conventional jet fuel.
Why Minnesota?
Minnesota has highly supportive business and consumer environments, existing infrastructure, and key agricultural resources to support SAF production and use.
We also have a strong commitment to protecting our environment and the people who live here, with a history of success in implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to protect water quality. This means Minnesota is primed and ready to attract incentives for Minnesotans to produce the petroleum replacement that consumers and the airline industry are seeking.
Producing SAF in Minnesota will reduce climate pollution while protecting air and water quality, soil health, and the health of Minnesotans. A Minnesota-grown SAF industry will bolster the state’s rural economies and create a market for climate-smart crops grown in Minnesota. This technology will also help our state meet its climate goals. In Minnesota, aviation represents 6% of all transportation emissions.
Recruit, review, and regulate
Recruit
Regulatory clarity, incentives, and existing supply chains will provide a clear path for SAF producers to set up shop in Minnesota. The state is partnering with businesses, economic development, and sustainability organizations to identify the right way forward for a sustainable and abundant SAF industry in Minnesota.
Review
Minnesota agencies will review and evaluate SAF production proposals to understand the environmental and health impacts of SAF production. These evaluations must assess the potential positive and negative impacts of SAF production across a range of goals such as climate pollution reductions, air and water quality, soil health, and sustainable water use.
Regulate
Multiple state agencies will effectively and efficiently permit SAF production in a way that protects Minnesotans and our environment, and meets the needs of SAF producers. SAF production involves a variety of potential feedstocks and industrial processes new to Minnesota. Defining a thorough and streamlined environmental permitting process for SAF production facilities will improve transparency and provide clarity for SAF businesses considering operations in the state.
Next steps
State leaders are developing a roadmap for regulation and review of SAF production in 2025. The roadmap will help regulators and project proposers efficiently and effectively:
- Determine what review and regulatory processes are likely applicable for SAF production
- Identify the information needed to decide which projects require oversight
- Identify project-specific information needed to evaluate projects and issue permits
The roadmap may identify policies and budget proposals for 2026 to support SAF production and business recruitment efforts.
Download Sustainable aviation fuel as a PDF.