Farnborough Airport Leading the Way in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Innovation
Key Ideas
- Farnborough Airport partners with Hydrogen Refinery for 12.5 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) generated from local waste products.
- The airport aims to offer a 20 per cent blend of SAF across its entire supply by 2028, exceeding UK Government targets for sustainable fuel.
- Hydrogen Refinery's plasma electrolyser system (PES) converts mixed waste, including airline food waste, into SAF, providing a low-cost and carbon-negative solution.
- Farnborough Airport's commitment to sustainability includes achieving Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation and utilizing solar panels for power generation.
Farnborough Airport has made significant strides in sustainable aviation fuel innovation by partnering with Hydrogen Refinery to secure 12.5 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced from local waste sources. This partnership is part of the airport's efforts to promote environmentally friendly practices in the aviation industry. Farnborough Airport has already been a major supplier of SAF for business aviation, selling over 2 million litres of blended SAF since 2021. By trialling the sale of SAF at the same price as conventional Jet A1 fuel, the airport has demonstrated its commitment to driving sustainable fuel adoption. However, new mandates from the UK and EU are creating challenges for the domestic sale of SAF.
The collaboration with Hydrogen Refinery, known for its innovative plasma electrolyser system (PES) that converts mixed waste into SAF, is a key aspect of Farnborough Airport's sustainability strategy. The airport aims to achieve a 20 per cent blend of SAF across its entire supply by 2028, surpassing the UK Government's target for sustainable fuel usage. CEO Simon Geere highlighted that this initiative aligns with the airport's goal to support advancements in sustainable technologies and facilitate large-scale refining of SAF within the UK.
Hydrogen Refinery's CEO, Stephen Voller, emphasized the environmental benefits of their waste conversion process, stating that it is both cost-effective and carbon negative. The conversion of waste, including airline food waste, into SAF without the emissions associated with traditional disposal methods contributes to a cleaner aviation industry. This partnership signifies a significant step towards realizing Farnborough Airport's vision of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
In addition to the SAF agreement, Farnborough Airport has a history of sustainability achievements, such as obtaining Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation and implementing solar panels to generate a quarter of its power. These initiatives underscore the airport's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy sources.