Emphasizes importance of Montana’s all-of-the-above energy approach

HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Oct 16th, praised an announcement that Montana Renewables will receive up to $1.44 billion to expand a renewable fuels facility in Great Falls.

“In Montana, we embrace an all-of-the-above approach to energy, whether it be coal, gas, or renewables,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I congratulate Montana Renewables for securing this funding, which will further expand Montana’s diverse energy portfolio. I’ll always work to promote more American-made energy to provide affordable and reliable energy to Montana consumers.”

On Oct 16th, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee to Montana Renewables to help finance the expansion of a facility in Great Falls that will use vegetable oils, fats, and greases to produce sustainable aviation and diesel fuels.

Montana Renewables produces alternative fuel products including renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and more using waste feedstocks. The company currently produces about 140 million gallons of biofuels per year. And if finalized, the DOE loan could enable Montana Renewables to increase its production to about 350 million gallons of biofuels per year.

In 2023, Gov. Gianforte visited Montana Renewables to celebrate the first shipment of sustainable aviation fuel. At the time, the shipment gained the company recognition as the largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel in North America.

In 2021, Gov. Gianforte cut the ribbon on the first railcar of seed oil feedstock to be used in production at the manufacturing plant.