#United Kingdom #LanzaJet #Teesside #Speedbird

LanzaJet's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative at Wilton International in Teesside

LanzaJet, a pioneer in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology, has officially announced the preferred site for its upcoming production facility, dubbed Project Speedbird. This transformational project is set in the strategic location of Wilton International in Teesside, UK. LanzaJet has partnered with Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Limited, which is wholly owned by Sembcorp Industries Ltd, aiming to establish an efficient ethanol-to-SAF facility.

The Project Speedbird initiative, in collaboration with British Airways, is anticipated to produce over 90,000 tonnes (about 30 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel annually. This significant output supports the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry. Notably, the project has garnered a government grant from the UK’s Advanced Fuels Fund, which positions it as a key player in regional development and a contributor to the local economy. It is expected to facilitate the creation of approximately 30 highly skilled jobs in the area in the long term.

The anticipated environmental benefits of Project Speedbird are considerable; it is expected to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 230,000 tonnes per year, equating to the emissions produced by about 26,000 domestic flights operated by British Airways within the UK. “Selecting Wilton International was a strategic decision based on its advanced infrastructure, crucial for SAF production. This choice emphasizes Teesside's central role in the UK's energy transition and the decarbonization efforts across the industry,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet.

The partnership with British Airways aims to establish a local supply chain for SAF, which is essential for meeting carbon reduction targets throughout the aviation sector. The use of locally sourced renewable fuels illustrates the UK's ambition to lead in energy transition and demonstrate effective collaboration among technology, investment, and partnerships.

LanzaJet's facility will employ its proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, which has shown successful implementation at its Freedom Pines Fuels plant in Georgia, USA — hailed as the world's first commercial ethanol-to-Fischer-Tropsch synthesis facility. Project Speedbird will utilize sustainable sources of ethanol to generate SAF, marking a significant leap towards establishing innovative collaborations within the region that bolster the local economy.

Carrie Harris, British Airways’ Director of Sustainability, expressed enthusiasm over the project: “We are thrilled that LanzaJet has selected Wilton International as the site for Project Speedbird, enabling the next phase of pioneering aviation fuel production in the UK. SAF will be vital for achieving our net-zero targets by 2050, and this development represents a significant step towards enhancing SAF production within the UK, while fostering local communities and creating green jobs.”

Mike Patrick, Managing Director of Sembcorp Energy UK, stated: “We are pleased to welcome LanzaJet to our Wilton International site. By providing ready-to-use infrastructure, energy, and utility services, we support their efforts in developing sustainable and low-carbon solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to accelerating the energy transition and decarbonizing the UK industry.”

About LanzaJet

Founded with the vision of facilitating the alternative fuels sector's transition, LanzaJet is dedicated to driving innovation in SAF production. As both a SAF supplier and a leader in alcohol-to-jet conversion technology, the company aims to create sustainable opportunities for future generations through the acceleration of SAF deployment and other essential technologies for the transformation of the aviation fuel marketplace. Recently, LanzaJet was recognized as one of TIME’s most influential companies of 2024, solidifying its position in the industry. Further information is available at lanzajet.com.

In conclusion, LanzaJet's Project Speedbird at Wilton International is not just a significant step for the company, but a milestone for the UK aviation industry, paving the way towards a more sustainable future in air travel. It will contribute towards national energy goals while ensuring economic growth and job creation in local communities.