Lanzajet selects Teesside for SAF production facility

Photo by Deniz Altindas on Unsplash

LanzaJet, a producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and its technologies, has partnered with Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Ltd, a wholly-owned entity of Sembcorp Industries Ltd, to develop an ethanol-to-SAF facility at Wilton International in Teesside. Through a collaboration with British Airways, ‘Project Speedbird’ will produce over 30 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually.

The project, a recipient of grant funding by the UK Government under the Advanced Fuels Fund, will generate significant regional benefits and create around 30 highly skilled, long-term roles within LanzaJet’s operations. The fuel produced is expected to reduce the net CO₂ emissions by around 230,000 tonnes per year — equivalent to 26,000 domestic flights by British Airways in the UK.

LanzaJet CEO Jimmy Samartzis said: “Wilton International was selected for its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, essential for SAF production. This selection underscores Teesside’s pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation efforts. By leveraging Wilton International’s capabilities, the project enhances the region’s status as a leader in alternative energy initiatives, contributing significantly to the UK’s clean energy objectives.”

“Through our collaboration with British Airways, we are building a local supply chain for SAF – a critical solution for reducing lifecycle net carbon emissions in aviation – while supporting the UK’s ambition to lead the energy transition. Project Speedbird demonstrates the potential of aligning technology, investment, and partnerships to address the aviation industry’s carbon emissions.”

Sustainably sourced ethanol
The facility will use LanzaJet’s proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, deployed at its Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA, the world’s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production plant. Project Speedbird will produce SAF from sustainably sourced ethanol and will also establish key collaborations across the region to further bolster the local economy.

Carrie Harris, director of sustainability at British Airways, said: “We are delighted that LanzaJet has selected Wilton International in Teesside as the site for Project Speedbird. This milestone paves the way for the next stage of this innovative project, which is an important step towards scaling up sustainable aviation fuel production in the UK. SAF will be crucial in helping us reach our ‘net zero’ goals by 2050, and this development marks significant progress towards producing UK SAF, while also supporting local communities and creating green jobs.”

Mike Patrick, Sembcorp Energy UK CEO, concluded: “We are pleased to welcome LanzaJet to our Wilton International site in Teesside. By providing ready-to-go infrastructure, energy and utilities services, we support their efforts in developing sustainable and low-carbon solutions. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to accelerating the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation. We look forward to partnering with LanzaJet as they play a pivotal role in propelling the aviation sector towards ‘net zero’.”