LanzaJet has announced that its next production facility, Project Speedbird, will be built at Wilton International in Teesside, UK. The project, developed in partnership with Sembcorp Utilities, will focus on producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel.
The facility is expected to produce over 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel annually. Supported by funding from the UK government’s Advanced Fuels Fund, the project will create about 30 skilled, long-term jobs in the region. The SAF produced at the facility is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 230,000 tonnes each year, equal to the emissions from 26,000 British Airways domestic flights in the UK.
LanzaJet’s CEO, Jimmy Samartzis, highlighted Teesside’s strategic importance for the project. “Wilton International offers the infrastructure and location we need to produce SAF effectively. This site strengthens Teesside’s role in the UK’s shift to cleaner energy,” he said.
Samartzis added that the collaboration with British Airways is vital. “Together, we’re building a local supply chain for SAF, which is essential to reducing aviation’s carbon emissions. This project shows how technology and partnerships can help address environmental challenges in the aviation industry,” he explained.
The facility will use LanzaJet’s alcohol-to-jet technology, which has already been implemented at the company’s Freedom Pines Fuels plant in Georgia, USA. The plant will rely on sustainably sourced ethanol to produce SAF.
British Airways’ Director of Sustainability, Carrie Harris, called the project a big step for the UK. “We’re thrilled that LanzaJet chose Teesside for this innovative facility. Producing SAF in the UK is a key part of our efforts to reach net zero by 2050. This project also supports local jobs and communities,” she said.
Sembcorp Energy UK, which operates Wilton International, expressed its support for the project. “We are excited to welcome LanzaJet to Wilton International,” said Mike Patrick, CEO of Sembcorp Energy UK. “Our site provides the services and infrastructure needed for sustainable fuel production. This collaboration is an important step in making the aviation industry cleaner and more sustainable.”
Project Speedbird is a significant milestone for SAF production in the UK, contributing to the country’s clean energy goals and helping to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint.
