UK's Altalto Project Secures Funding to Lead Waste-to-SAF Innovation
Altalto's Journey Toward Sustainability
Introduction
The UK is stepping up its efforts to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through innovative projects that convert waste into energy. Among these initiatives, Altalto (Immingham) Limited, a subsidiary of Velocys, has emerged as a leader after securing funding from the UK Department for Transport's Advanced Fuels Fund. This investment plays a crucial role in progressing the design of their state-of-the-art waste-to-SAF facility.
Funding and Technology Integration
Announced on September 8, 2025, this funding will enable Altalto to advance its Basic Engineering Design. The project will incorporate NEXTCHEM's advanced gasification technology, specifically the NX Circular™ technology, and its NX CPO™ solution. These innovations will complement Velocys’ proven microFTL™ process, making it a pioneering project in the UK and one of the most advanced globally.
Matthew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys, lauded this funding approval, stating, "This new award demonstrates the UK Government's confidence in Altalto and in Velocys' Fischer–Tropsch technology." By integrating these cutting-edge systems, Altalto aims to set new standards for SAF production from municipal solid waste.
Project Expectations and Environmental Impact
Altalto’s innovative facility is designed to produce an impressive 30 million liters of SAF annually from residual waste. This production volume is significant enough to power over 500 London-to-New York flights each year, simultaneously contributing to a reduction of more than 100,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions annually. These reductions align perfectly with the UK's mandate requiring that by 2030, 10% of jet fuel demand should derive from sustainable sources.
The timeline for the project showcases a commitment to rapid progress, aiming to be ready for front-end engineering design (FEED) by early 2026 and operational by 2030. With all the key technology partners selected, including sources of waste and conversion systems, Altalto stands firmly on track to fulfill this timeline.
Industry Reactions and Future Outlook
Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of NEXTCHEM, also shared optimism regarding this project, saying, "This award confirms the validity and flexibility of our technological proposal," emphasizing its importance in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. The collaborative effort among key industry leaders further signals a shift towards integrating sustainable practices in energy production.
The collaboration between Velocys and NEXTCHEM illustrates a growing trend of partnerships aimed at leveraging advanced technology for better environmental outcomes. As industry players work to meet increased legislative demands for sustainable practices, projects like Altalto will play a crucial role in shaping the future of aviation fuel.
Conclusion
Altalto’s progress in turning waste into sustainable aviation fuel is a promising step forward in addressing climate change concerns linked with the aviation sector. The support from the UK government bolsters the credibility of this project and showcases a commitment to fostering innovation in the energy sector. Moving ahead, Altalto is not just aiming for operational success but also striving to set an example in sustainable practices—demonstrating that with the right technology and support, the future can indeed be greener and more sustainable for aviation.
For more insights into sustainable technologies and innovations, visit Velocys and NEXTCHEM.
Topics Energy）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.