Altalto Advances as a Leader in the UK Waste-to-SAF Sector
Altalto (Immingham) Limited, a company owned by Velocys, recently received significant funding from the UK Department for Transport's Advanced Fuels Fund. This financial boost will aid in the Basic Engineering Design of their flagship waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility, positioning Altalto as a key player in the UK's sustainability efforts, especially in aviation. By integrating NEXTCHEM's advanced gasification technology with Velocys’ renowned microFTL™ solution, the project not only emphasizes innovation but also aims to meet rising demands for sustainable fuel sources.
The objective of Altalto is ambitious yet vital. It is designed to produce approximately 30 million liters of SAF annually from various residual waste streams. This output is projected to support over 500 flights between London and New York each year, making a significant impact on carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to result in more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent savings each year, which aligns with the UK government's mandate that requires 10% of jet fuel to come from sustainable sources by 2030.
Matthew Viergutz, the CEO of Velocys, expressed confidence in the success of the Altalto project, stating that the funding reflects the government's faith in their Fischer-Tropsch technology and operational plans. He emphasized that the integration with NEXTCHEM stands to make Altalto the first commercial-scale waste-to-SAF facility in the UK, striving to deliver sustainable aviation fuel efficiently.
In a statement, Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of NEXTCHEM, highlighted the importance of their technological approach, noting that it aligns with the aviation sector's urgent need for decarbonization -- a necessity that has become increasingly paramount in recent years. By harnessing waste materials and converting them into fuel, Altalto not only reduces landfill use but is also focused on the energy transition towards cleaner alternatives.
Key facts regarding the Altalto project include:
- - Annual Output: 30 million liters of SAF
- - Feedstock: Municipal solid waste and commercial waste streams
- - Environmental Benefit: Over 100,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent savings per year
- - Location: Situated in Immingham, within the Humber region
- - Timeline: FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) phase expected to be ready by Q1 2026, with operations planned to commence by 2030.
In this rapidly changing energy landscape, the partnership between Velocys and NEXTCHEM illustrates a pivotal approach to shaping a sustainable future in aviation fuel production. As the project progresses, it exemplifies how innovative technologies can contribute to decarbonizing essential industries while providing viable economic opportunities.
Altalto’s mission is not only about producing SAF but also about rethinking how waste is utilized and repurposed for more significant environmental benefits. It represents a hopeful step towards achieving carbon neutrality, showcasing the potential of advanced technologies in reshaping our energy systems for a sustainable tomorrow.