An Inside Look at the New $1.7B Project Taking Over MT

BUTTE, MT - Montana is making a massive move in the renewable energy space, and this time, it comes with a billion-dollar boost.

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has reinstated a $1.67 billion loan guarantee ($1.44 billion of principal and $233 million of capitalized interest) to Montana Renewables, LLC, a subsidiary of Calumet, Inc., aimed at expanding its renewable fuels facility in Great Falls.

This decision follows a temporary hold due to a broader review of Inflation Reduction Act expenditures.

Now that the project is back on track, Montana is set to play a critical role in the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel.

What Is Montana Renewables?

If you haven’t heard of Montana Renewables yet, you will soon.

The company has been operating its renewable fuels facility in Great Falls since late 2022, churning out around 140 million gallons of biofuels each year.

With this loan, that number is expected to more than double, reaching approximately 315 million gallons annually.

The expansion is particularly significant for the aviation industry. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional jet fuel, will be a major focus.

Once the expansion is complete, Montana Renewables is poised to become one of the largest SAF producers in the world—accounting for an estimated 50% of all North American SAF production and 12% of global SAF output through 2030.

How Does This Impact Montana?

Aside from its global implications, the project is expected to provide a local economic boost.

During peak construction, up to 450 jobs will be created, with around 40 permanent positions added once the facility is fully operational.

The state’s agricultural sector could also see a ripple effect.

The facility will rely on vegetable oils, fats, and greases as feedstocks, meaning Montana farmers and suppliers could see increased demand for biofuel-friendly crops and byproducts.

The Bigger Picture: Fighting Aviation Emissions

Air travel is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, accounting for 11% of all U.S. transportation emissions.

This project aligns with the Biden Administration’s SAF Grand Challenge, which aims to boost U.S. SAF production to 3 billion gallons annually by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050.

The Great Falls expansion will include a second renewable fuels reactor, enhancements to existing units, and new SAF blending and logistics infrastructure.

The goal? To make Montana a cornerstone of the push to decarbonize aviation while securing the U.S. as a global leader in sustainable fuel.

Montana’s Energy Future

The reinstatement of this loan signals a strong federal commitment to clean energy investments, and Montana is at the heart of it.

While the state has long been known for its natural beauty and traditional energy sectors, it may soon become equally famous for leading the charge in biofuels.

With billions of dollars flowing into this project, Montana Renewables isn’t just making fuel—it’s making history.