Major Boost for UK's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry: £53 Million Investment Sets Stage for Green Revolution

Dear Lion Helard Reader

Passengers are on the brink of experiencing air travel without carbon dioxide emissions, thanks to a £53 million government injection announced on November 16, 2023. This funding will propel nine innovative projects under the Department for Transport's (DfT) Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF), aimed at transforming waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and reducing carbon emissions by 2.7 million tonnes annually.

The AFF, with a total pot of £135 million, supports companies in converting various waste materials, including household waste and industrial gases, into environmentally friendly fuels. The winning projects, spanning from the Orkney Islands to South Wales, are expected to create up to 10,000 green jobs by 2035 and boost the economy by approximately £1.8 billion each year.

Among the winning projects is a demonstration plant converting sawmill and forestry waste, and a commercial plant utilizing power-to-liquid technology to turn CO2 and green hydrogen into plane fuel. Together, these projects could yield over 70,000 tonnes of SAF annually, potentially enabling the UK to produce up to 810,000 tonnes of SAF – enough for approximately 3,108 trips around the equator.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed confidence in the UK's SAF industry, highlighting its role in job creation, attracting foreign investment, and promoting economic growth across the nation. Airlines UK CEO Tim Alderslade welcomed the funding, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a UK SAF industry to reduce aviation emissions and costs for consumers.

With a SAF mandate requiring at least 10% of jet fuel to come from sustainable sources by 2030, the AFF plays a crucial role in achieving this target, potentially saving up to 2.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. Amy Hebert, CEO of Arcadia eFuels, commended the government for supporting SAF production, while Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen highlighted the local impact, with 75% of the fund allocated to local projects on Teesside.

To accelerate the transition from laboratories to the skies, a SAF Clearing House has been launched at the University of Sheffield. With £700,000 in government funding and an additional £5.35 million to support testing costs, this hub will coordinate the testing and approval of new SAF, making the UK an attractive destination for investment and promoting international safety and technical standards.

Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Head of the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield, expressed excitement about the UK SAF Clearing House, emphasizing its contribution to reducing barriers to SAF delivery and advancing the viability of SAFs for the future of aviation.

These developments come ahead of the world's first transatlantic flight using 100% SAF on November 28, 2023, supported by up to £1 million in government investment. Virgin Atlantic's Boeing 787s, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, are set to make the historic journey from London Heathrow to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, marking a significant milestone towards guilt-free flying and a green revolution in international travel.

Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief / Lion Herald

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