Innovative Collaboration to Produce Sustainable Aviation Fuels at Saltend Chemicals Park
Key Ideas
  • OXCCU, a spin-out from Oxford University, is partnering with Px Group to develop a unique demonstration plant at Saltend Chemicals Park in Humber to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuels by 2026.
  • The demonstration plant aims to produce 200 litres of liquid fuel per day using a groundbreaking direct CO2 hydrogenation process, simplifying SAF production and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the UK aviation industry.
  • The project aligns with the UK government's commitment to have commercial SAF plants under construction by 2025 and to mandate 10% of fuel from sustainable-certified sources for all UK flights by 2030, supported by both Labour and Conservative parties.
  • The collaboration between OXCCU and Px Group, backed by Ara Partners, signals a significant step towards industrial decarbonisation, showcasing innovative technology and partnerships driving the green economy forward.
PX Group has revealed that Oxford University spin-out OXCCU will be developing a pioneering demonstration plant at Saltend Chemicals Park in the Humber region of the United Kingdom. This state-of-the-art plant will have the capacity to convert carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) starting from 2026. The project is expected to be a game-changer in the aviation industry as it plans to produce 200 liters of liquid fuel per day, primarily for aircraft use. OXCCU recently showcased a revolutionary direct CO2 hydrogenation process that can efficiently turn CO2 into aviation fuel range hydrocarbons with minimal byproducts, streamlining the SAF production process into a single step. PX Group, the owner of the chemicals and renewables energy cluster at Saltend, will oversee the engineering design, construction, and operational support for the demonstration plant. With backing from Ara Partners, a private equity firm specializing in decarbonization investments, as well as investments from various entities including United Airlines and Eni, the project is set to make significant strides in reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability in the UK aviation sector. The collaboration between OXCCU and PX Group aligns with the UK government's ambitious targets to have multiple commercial SAF plants operational by 2025 and to enforce a SAF mandate requiring flights departing from the UK to utilize 10% sustainable-certified fuel by 2030. The venture has received positive feedback from political parties such as Labour and the Conservatives, further solidifying its role in securing the future of the UK aviation industry. By integrating innovative technology and sustainable practices, the project represents a crucial step towards industrial decarbonization and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the green economy forward. The efforts at Saltend Chemicals Park, including Equinor's blue hydrogen plant and LanzaTech UK's SAF plant, highlight the region's commitment to cutting-edge sustainability initiatives and positioning itself as a leader in future technology and environmental stewardship.
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