UK Government unlocks £63m for clean aviation fuels

The UK Government has unlocked £63 million in funding for the development of clean aviation fuels, supporting around 1,400 jobs.

The money will be distributed across 17 UK companies in a bid to accelerate the development and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is seen as a key interim measure to clean aviation, whilst electric and hydrogen aircraft are developed.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: “This £63 million is lift off for Britain’s green aviation revolution. We’re not just backing brilliant British innovation, we’re creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and positioning the UK at the forefront of the global sustainable aviation market.

“From the labs of Sheffield to the runways of the future – this is how we kickstart economic growth, secure energy independence, and make Britain a clean energy superpower.” 

SAF aims to produce non-fossil-fuel-based aviation fuels which reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 70% over their life cycle, helping to deliver cleaner flights.

Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Managing Director of the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre, who is leading the project, said: “It is fantastic to see the University of Sheffield playing a leading role in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce its emissions. At Sheffield we have some of the most advanced SAF research facilities in Europe and are excited to work with partners from the industry to help them test and develop new fuels and next generation clean energy technologies.”

Most modern airliners, such as the A320neo and Boeing 737 Max families, can already run on a 50% SAF blend, with OEMs working towards 100% SAF operations, and at the weekend, the Red Arrows carried out their first public display using 100% SAF.