In a major push towards sustainable aviation, the UK government has announced a £53 million investment in nine pioneering projects dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The funding, part of the Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF), aims to propel the aviation industry closer to achieving carbon-free air travel.
The AFF, with a total fund of £135 million, is designed to support companies in converting waste materials and by-products, such as household waste and industrial gases, into eco-friendly fuels. SAF produced through these initiatives can yield greenhouse gas emissions savings of more than 70% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.
Winning projects from this funding round spread across the UK from the Orkney Islands to South Wales, encompass diverse approaches to SAF production. One standout project involves a demonstration plant converting sawmill and forestry waste, while another focuses on a commercial plant utilizing power-to-liquid technology to transform CO2 and green hydrogen into aviation fuel. Together, these projects have the potential to create over 70,000 tonnes of SAF annually.
The investment aligns with the UK’s broader goal of creating up to 10,000 green jobs by 2035 and boosting the economy by approximately £1.8 billion each year. These projects contribute to the nation’s ambition to become a SAF superpower, facilitating overseas investment and fostering economic growth across various regions.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized the government’s confidence in the UK’s SAF industry, noting its role in job creation, encouraging foreign investment, and promoting economic development. The investment positions the UK as a leader in sustainable aviation, ensuring that travel remains eco-friendly and aligned with future environmental standards.
Airlines UK CEO Tim Alderslade praised the funding announcement, emphasizing the importance of delivering a UK SAF industry to reduce aviation emissions and meet sustainability mandates. The projects funded by the AFF are essential to achieving the 10% SAF mandate by 2030, saving up to 2.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
One of the winning recipients, Arcadia eFuels, expressed appreciation for the government’s support in expediting SAF production for aviation decarbonization. The grant, totaling £12.3 million, contributes to building commercial-scale facilities for SAF production.
Additionally, the UK SAF industry’s development includes the establishment of a SAF Clearing House at the University of Sheffield. With £700,000 in government funding, the Clearing House will coordinate SAF testing and approval, facilitating the transition from laboratories to aircraft. Another £5.35 million is earmarked to support associated fuel testing costs, ensuring the UK meets SAF mandate targets and becomes an attractive destination for investment.
The SAF Clearing House, a central hub for testing and approving new SAF, positions the UK at the forefront of clean flying, supporting internationally recognized safety and technical standards. This initiative accelerates the growth of SAF expertise in the UK, making the country a global leader in sustainable aviation.
These developments come ahead of the world’s first transatlantic flight using 100% SAF on November 28, 2023, backed by up to £1 million in government investment. Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787s will operate the historic flight from London Heathrow to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, marking a significant milestone towards guilt-free international air travel.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
