LanzaJet, a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology, has announced that Teesside's Wilton International will host its next production facility, Project Speedbird. In partnership with Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, LanzaJet will develop an ethanol-to-SAF plant at the strategically located Wilton site. The project, supported by grant funding from the UK government’s Advanced Fuels Fund, will produce over 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel annually.

Project Speedbird aims to cut net carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 230,000 tonnes each year, equivalent to offsetting emissions from 26,000 British Airways domestic flights within the UK. The facility will utilize LanzaJet’s proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, previously deployed at its Freedom Pines Fuels plant in Georgia, USA—the world’s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production site. Using sustainably sourced ethanol, the project represents a key step in scaling SAF production in the UK.

Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, emphasized the importance of the Wilton site, citing its strategic location and advanced infrastructure. "Wilton International is pivotal to the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonization. By leveraging its capabilities, Project Speedbird strengthens Teesside’s position as a leader in alternative energy initiatives and significantly advances the UK’s clean energy goals," he said. Samartzis also highlighted the collaboration with British Airways as instrumental in building a local SAF supply chain, essential for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.

British Airways echoed this sentiment, with Carrie Harris, the airline’s Director of Sustainability, lauding the project’s significance. "This milestone brings us closer to scaling UK-based SAF production, a critical component in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. It’s not just about advancing sustainability in aviation but also about supporting local communities and creating green jobs," Harris remarked.

Mike Patrick, CEO of Sembcorp Energy UK, expressed enthusiasm for hosting LanzaJet at Wilton International. "With our ready-to-go infrastructure and utilities services, we are proud to support LanzaJet’s mission to develop sustainable and low-carbon aviation solutions. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to accelerating the UK’s energy transition and decarbonization goals," Patrick stated.

Project Speedbird underscores the transformative potential of aligning cutting-edge technology, investment, and strategic partnerships. By advancing SAF production in the UK, LanzaJet’s initiative will contribute significantly to decarbonizing the aviation sector, supporting the UK’s clean energy transition, and reinforcing Teesside’s role as a hub for sustainable innovation.

LanzaJet is a pioneering alternative fuels technology and engineering company committed to driving the aviation sector’s transition to sustainable energy. As a leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and technology, LanzaJet leverages its patented ethanol-based alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology to revolutionize the aviation fuel market. By advancing the adoption of SAF and other transformative technologies, LanzaJet is paving the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.