Can Jet Fuel Be Produced from Waste?

While the concept of biofuel isn't exactly new, the focus has remained largely on ground transportation. Now, a UK based renewable jet fuel company is breaking ground and promising to transform hundreds of thousands of tonnes of post-recycled waste into sustainable, clean-burning fuels.

Using waste that would otherwise be sent straight to landfill, Velocys plans to create jet fuel that emits 60% less greenhouse gasses and 90% less particulate matter than conventional jet fuel. This won it attention from national carrier British Airways, with the pair recently signed a lucrative deal.

Biofuel set to power BA jets

After announcing the partnership Velocys shares jumped by a huge 40%. The company has confirmed that it will lead an initial feasibility stage of the project, then make a final investment decision in 2019. If all goes to plan, BA planes will eventually be powered by Velocys's jet friendly biofuel.

Recycling and waste management company, Suez is also onboard. As well as offering insight and technical expertise the French based utility company will also oversee how feedstock is sourced.

British government rolls out biofuel incentives

The announcement comes just months after recent changes introduced by the Department for Transport. Jet fuel is now eligible for credits under the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), a move that's designed to promote sustainability within the aviation and heavy goods transport industries. Ideally the credits will provide long term support for both markets. Velocys is already fronting the movement, with its sights set on developing a series of waste-to-jet fuel plants in the UK.

UK set to emerge as "world leader" in sustainable jet fuel

David Pummell, chief executive of Velocys has praised the new legislation, maintaining that it will help the UK emerge as a world leader in sustainable jet fuel.

“We are very pleased to be working with world class partners to help execute the vision of a repeatable series of plants, offering a commercially attractive route to a highly desirable product for an industry that now demands significant greenhouse gas reduction solutions" comment Mr Pummell.

"This opportunity leverages further our technology, integrated plant design and skills base, and is consistent with our renewable fuels strategy of delivering integrated plant solutions, in collaboration with partners, to fulfil a real market need.”

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