Plans have been announced for the world’s first commercial-scale factory in the Harwich area of Essex, where human waste will be converted into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Biofuel company Firefly revealed that the facility will be developed in Harwich, aiming to supply the low-carbon fuel starting from 2028.
Firefly has signed a deal with Wizz Air to provide up to 525,000 tons of SAF over 15 years. Additionally, the public utility company Anglian Water has committed to supplying Firefly with biocakes, a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process, for the initial pilot SAF plant.
Produced from sustainable sources, SAF uses approximately 70% less carbon compared to traditional jet fuel. This fuel can be blended with kerosene up to a maximum of 50% without requiring any modifications to aircraft engines.
James Hygate, CEO of Firefly, acknowledged that biocakes are “a disgusting thing” but emphasized that they are “an incredible resource.” Paul Hilditch, the company’s operations director, highlighted the significant role SAF production will play in the UK. According to Hilditch, there is enough biocake available in the UK to meet approximately half of the mandatory SAF demand by 2030.
Firefly stated that SAF is currently undergoing the legal approval process for supplying aircraft fuel. Additionally, Wizz Air announced its goal to operate ten percent of its flights using SAF by 2030.
