Funding hope to produce clean jet fuel

NEW research by industry coalition Sustainable Aviation confirms South Wales could be home to a number of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facilities, making it a world leader in clean aviation technology.

The research by energy consultancy E4tech and commissioned by Sustainable Aviation shows these facilities could deliver £146m annually to the South Wales economy and create 1,020 jobs in SAF production and exports, while making a major contribution to CO2 savings by turning household, agricultural and industrial waste into jet fuel.

To get this industry off the ground, Sustainable Aviation has called on the Government to commit to £500m of government funding.

In addition to South Wales, six other potential SAF clusters have been identified, including Teesside, Humberside, the North West, Hampshire, St Fergus and Grangemouth.

SAF is needed to play a major role in enabling the aviation industry to deliver its commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions for all departing flights by 2050.

This pressing need is alongside airspace modernisation and exciting engine and aircraft technologies, such as electrification and hydrogen.

Adam Morton, chair of Sustainable Aviation, said: “Sustainable aviation fuels will be essential for the global aviation industry in a net zero world, and the UK has a golden opportunity to become a world leader by commercialising this technology at an early stage.”