Graphical abstract. Credit: Biomass and Bioenergy (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108516
The United States could feasibly produce enough sustainable aviation fuel to meet roughly two-thirds of its 2030 federal target, but getting there will require overcoming major hurdles, according to a new Washington State University-led study.
Published in the March edition of Biomass and Bioenergy, the study offers one of the most detailed looks yet at the nation's sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, industry.
The researchers found that while domestic production is expanding quickly, the United States remains unlikely to meet its goal of producing 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030 without additional support and continued industry investment.
The study found that the most optimistic scenario projects domestic SAF production could reach about 2.1 billion gallons annually by 2030, roughly two-thirds of the federal target, though substantially lower production levels may be realized depending on market conditions, project delays, and policy support.
