#United Kingdom #British Airways #LanzaJet #Teesside #Project Speedbird

LanzaJet Announces New Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility

LanzaJet, a prominent player in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, has recently revealed plans for its innovative Project Speedbird. This exciting initiative involves setting up a new production facility at Wilton International in Teesside, England, designed to produce sustainable aviation fuel from ethanol. The collaboration with Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Limited, a branch of Sembcorp Industries Ltd., showcases LanzaJet’s commitment to not just advancing aviation fuel technologies, but also supporting the UK’s broader green energy goals.

The Wilton International site was selected for its strategic significance and advanced infrastructure, which are essential for ensuring efficient SAF production. With this new facility, LanzaJet expects to produce over 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) of SAF along with renewable diesel annually. This project, which has garnered grant funding from the UK government through the Advanced Fuels Fund, is anticipated to not only contribute to the local economy by creating around 30 skilled jobs but also play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions. It is estimated that the facility will help cut down approximately 230,000 tonnes of net carbon dioxide emissions each year, equivalent to the emissions from 26,000 domestic flights operated by British Airways.

Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, emphasized the importance of Teesside in the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonization efforts. He stated, “The strategic location and readiness of Wilton International make it the perfect site for our production facility. By leveraging the existing capabilities here, we can further solidify the region's position as a leader in alternative energy initiatives.”

Project Speedbird represents a significant step towards establishing a local supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel, essential for reducing lifecycle net carbon emissions from the aviation sector. The collaboration with British Airways is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores a united front in the aviation industry’s fight against climate change. Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, remarked, “This milestone paves the way for the next stage of this innovative project, marking significant progress towards producing SAF within the UK. It’s a crucial development for us in achieving our net zero goals by 2050.”

The production process at the new facility will utilize LanzaJet's proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, which has previously been successfully implemented at their Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA—the world’s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production plant. Project Speedbird will focus on utilizing sustainably sourced ethanol, emphasizing LanzaJet’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

As the global concern regarding greenhouse gas emissions grows, Project Speedbird signifies a major shift in how aviation fuel can be sourced and its impact mitigated. The initiative aims to redefine the future of air travel by providing a cleaner alternative that aligns with the increasing regulatory and consumer demand for sustainable solutions in the aviation industry.

In addition to its environmental benefits, Project Speedbird is set to deliver valuable economic advantages to the Teesside region. Mike Patrick, Chief Executive Officer of Sembcorp Energy UK, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to partner with LanzaJet as they work towards transforming the aviation sector and delivering sustainable, low-carbon solutions. Our infrastructure and support services are essential to helping accelerate the UK's energy transition.”

In summary, LanzaJet’s decision to establish a facility in Teesside for the production of sustainable aviation fuel underscores a significant commitment to combating climate change within the aviation industry. Through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, LanzaJet is paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, initiatives like Project Speedbird highlight the potential for cleaner, greener technologies to make a meaningful difference in multiple sectors.