UK Companies Spearhead eSAF Revolution for Sustainable Aviation
Key Ideas
- Two UK-based companies, OXCCU and Zero Petroleum, are leading the development of eSAF, a sustainable aviation fuel created using captured CO2 and green hydrogen, with plans for commercial-scale production by 2026.
- OXCCU's novel catalyst and process aim to simplify the production of SAF by directly converting CO2 and green hydrogen into fuel, attracting investments from climate-focused backers and aiming for a 2026 start date for operations.
- Zero Petroleum's partnership with Airbus is focused on advancing eSAF development, leveraging both companies' expertise with the goal of accelerating the certification and adoption of eSAF as a recognized zero-emission aviation fuel.
- Both initiatives align with Airbus's goal of achieving 15% SAF in its fuel mix by the end of 2022 and at least 30% by 2030, demonstrating a collaborative effort to decarbonize the aviation industry through innovative fuel solutions.
Two UK-based renewable fuel producers, OXCCU and Zero Petroleum, are at the forefront of the eSAF (sustainable aviation fuel) revolution. OXCCU, a spinoff from Oxford University, is partnering with infrastructure provider px Group to develop a groundbreaking eSAF demonstration plant in the Humber region. This innovative project aims to produce 100% drop-in synthetic jet fuel from 2026, with a planned PtL obligation on fuel producers in the UK to meet a percentage of jet fuel demand starting in 2028. OXCCU's advanced catalysts and processes enable the direct conversion of captured CO2 and green hydrogen into non-fossil fuels, attracting investments from climate-focused investors.
On the other hand, Zero Petroleum has signed a partnership with Airbus to accelerate eSAF development. Led by experienced individuals, including former Formula One executive Paddy Lowe, Zero Petroleum recently opened Plant Zero.1 near Oxford, claiming it to be the world's first fully-featured synthetic fuel plant. The collaboration with Airbus aims to increase the presence of SAF in the aviation fuel mix, with ambitious targets set by Airbus to achieve significant SAF percentages in fuel usage by 2030.
Both initiatives highlight the industry's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization, with a focus on developing innovative fuel solutions to address the challenges faced by the aviation sector. The partnerships and advancements in eSAF technology showcased in the article demonstrate a positive outlook towards the future of sustainable aviation fuel production and its potential impact on reducing emissions in the aviation industry.
Topics
Aviation
Innovation
Aviation Industry
Sustainability
Green Energy
Partnerships
Industry Collaboration
Renewable Fuel
Climate Technology
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