With the desire to keep the focus on a green recovery in a post-Covid world sustainable fuels technology company Velocys has revealed that resolution to grant planning permission for the UK’s first commercial scale waste-to-jet fuel plant has now been given.

A collaboration between Shell and British Airways, the plant, Altalto Immingham, will take hundreds of thousands of tonnes of everyday municipal household and commercial waste and turn it into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The fuel can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to the traditional fossil fuel equivalent. Velocys will also improve air quality, with up to 90% reduction in particulate matter (soot) from aircraft engine exhausts and almost 100% reduction in sulphur oxides.

“It’s fantastic news that the Planning Committee has approved our waste-to-jet-fuel project, which will be a first for the UK. Sustainable aviation fuels are essential for decarbonising this challenging sector and achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” said Henrik Wareborn, CEO at Velocys. “That’s why Velocys are calling on the government to co-ordinate policy between departments to help us fund a fleet of world leading sustainable aviation fuel facilities in the UK.”

The resolution was given by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC)’s Planning Committee. A formal decision notice will be issued subject to the completion of standard legal agreements with NELC. All statutory consultees have indicated their acceptance of the plan.

Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader, North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “For such a high profile project to choose North East Lincolnshire just shows how competitive we are for the investment market, and with projects like this choosing our patch just shows how we can work with the private sector to make locating here an easy choice.”

Aviation Minister Kelly Tolhurst added: “Innovative technologies – like the development of sustainable aviation fuels – firms up the UK’s position as a leader in aviation, and shows the determination the industry has in continuing to operate, but in a more environmentally-friendly way.

 

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