Farnborough Airport Signs Groundbreaking Deal for Hydrogen-Based Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Key Ideas
  • Farnborough Airport partners with H2R to locally source 10,000 tonnes of hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel annually, aiming to be the first airport globally to offer 20% blend SAF by 2028.
  • H2R's plasma electrolyser system converts non-recyclable waste into hydrogen-rich syngas, contributing to the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for SAF, claimed to be a low-cost and carbon-negative process.
  • Despite challenges like inconsistent waste composition affecting syngas quality and the high costs of waste-to-fuel pathways, the deal aligns with UK and European SAF mandates for increased blending with kerosene.
  • CEO Simon Geere highlights the importance of markets willing to invest upfront to drive the transition to new fuelling technologies, emphasizing Farnborough Airport's commitment to sustainable aviation practices.
Farnborough Airport in the UK has made a significant move towards sustainability by partnering with UK-based Hydrogen Refinery (H2R) to locally source 10,000 tonnes of hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually. This partnership positions the airport as a leading supplier of SAF to the business aviation community. The airport aims to become the first globally to offer fuel with a 20% blend by 2028, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation practices. H2R utilizes a plasma electrolyser system to convert non-recyclable waste into hydrogen-rich syngas, which is then used in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to produce liquid hydrocarbons for SAF. This process is not only cost-effective but also carbon negative, as it avoids emissions from incineration or landfill. However, challenges such as the variability in waste composition and the high costs of waste-to-fuel conversion remain. The partnership aligns with UK and European SAF mandates requiring increased blending of SAF with kerosene, showcasing a commitment to environmental regulations. CEO Simon Geere emphasizes the importance of markets willing to make upfront investments to drive the adoption of new fuelling technologies, demonstrating Farnborough Airport's dedication to sustainability in the aviation industry.
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