Willis Sustainable Fuels Chooses FT CANS to Enhance Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production in the UK

Willis Sustainable Fuels and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Revolution in the UK

In a significant move towards sustainable aviation, Willis Sustainable Fuels (WSF) has selected Johnson Matthey (JM) and bp's innovative Fischer Tropsch (FT) CANS™ technology to spearhead its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Teesside, Northeast England. This initiative marks a critical step in the UK’s journey toward reducing carbon emissions in aviation and achieving net-zero flights by 2035.

A Pioneering Project for the UK

The project aims to be the first of its kind within the UK and is expected to commence operations in 2028. It will utilize biomethane as a feedstock, which will be converted into syngas through JM’s advanced reforming technology. This syngas will then be processed using the FT CANS technology to produce synthetic crude oil, subsequently upgraded and blended into SAF. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to generate 14,000 tonnes of SAF blendstock annually, contributing significantly to sustainable air travel.

Teesside is already emerging as a key player in the UK’s SAF production landscape, aligning itself with the Teesside International Airport's ambitious net-zero strategy. The airport is set on achieving net-zero flights as part of its wider commitment to sustainability by 2035, positioning itself as the UK's first net-zero airport. This collaborative effort not only showcases the region’s potential but highlights the importance of local initiatives in driving national environmental goals.

Supporting Green Technology Initiatives

The development of this SAF facility is bolstered by funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund, which aims to accelerate the adaptation of fuel production technologies that can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector. WSF’s project stands out as one of five initiatives based in Teesside to benefit from this funding, underscoring the locality’s dedication to innovation within the sustainable technology field.

Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director Licensing at Johnson Matthey, expressed his enthusiasm for the project's potential, stating, “As a UK-headquartered company, we are excited that our technology is selected for this innovative UK project. With our FT CANS development and testing facilities located nearby, we envision the North East as a leader in addressing the UK's SAF mandates.”

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The collaboration between WSF and Johnson Matthey is complemented by other partnerships in the industry. Amy Ruddock, Senior Vice President of Sustainable Aviation Corporate Development at Willis Lease Finance Corporation, emphasized the importance of such alliances, noting that they will facilitate meaningful progress toward sustainable air travel.

“This pioneering project will showcase the flexibility of our Carbonshift pathway, which can utilize various sustainable feedstocks and is adaptable for power-to-liquids production, ultimately shaping the future of aviation fuels,” Ruddock remarked.

About Johnson Matthey and Willis Sustainable Fuels

Johnson Matthey has been at the forefront of sustainable technologies for over 200 years, utilizing advanced metal chemistry to address the world’s pressing challenges. Their expertise is crucial for companies seeking to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability across diverse sectors, including energy and transportation.

Willis Sustainable Fuels is part of the Willis Lease Finance Corporation, which provides leasing services for a range of aviation-related technologies and is committed to building and operating projects aimed at decarbonizing the aviation industry.

Through innovation and collaboration, the partnership between WSF and Johnson Matthey symbolizes a forward-thinking approach in developing cleaner aviation solutions, paving the way for a sustainable aviation future in the UK and potentially beyond.

The implications of such projects resonate globally, as the aviation industry looks for solutions to meet ambitious decarbonization targets. The integration of technologies like FT CANS into sustainable aviation fuel initiatives sets a precedent for future projects worldwide, showcasing how combined efforts can drive the aviation sector toward a greener future.