Farnborough Airport has announced a groundbreaking agreement with Hydrogen Refinery for the supply of 12.5 million liters (10,000 tonnes per annum) of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced locally from waste.

Farnborough Airport is already among the largest suppliers of SAF to the business aviation sector, having distributed over 2 million liters of 38% blended SAF since 2021. However, the sales of SAF within the UK face threats from a lack of both production and investment, especially with SAF mandates set to take effect from January 2025.

The regulations in both the UK and European Union stipulate not only the volume of SAF required but also the methods of production to ensure that advancements in sustainable fuel technology develop without compromising food sources. Currently, most SAF is derived from waste cooking oil or Hydro processed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA). Nevertheless, using innovative technology, Hydrogen Refinery aims to create carbon-negative SAF from various waste products collected locally.

Simon Geere, CEO of Farnborough Airport, expressed:

“We are thrilled to be forming this revolutionary partnership with Hydrogen Refinery, which has the potential to make us the first airport globally to offer fuel with a 20% blend across its supply by 2028, well ahead of the UK government’s target of 10% by 2030. This aligns with our vision of fostering sustainable technologies and driving domestic SAF refining efforts.”

Geere added that transitioning to new fueling technologies necessitates markets capable of supporting the required investments. Farnborough Airport’s position, handling modern, smaller aircraft, allows it to successfully pursue these innovations.

In a similar vein, Stephen Voller, CEO of Hydrogen Refinery, mentioned:

“We exist in a throwaway culture, where waste volumes, including food waste from airlines, are on the rise irrespective of recycling efforts. Our plasma electrolyser technology can convert this mixed waste into SAF effectively and in a cost-efficient, carbon-negative manner.”

This announcement follows several notable achievements for Farnborough Airport. Recently, they earned the Level 4+ carbon accreditation from the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, making it one of only five UK airports to achieve such status. In addition, Farnborough Airport completed a significant solar installation project in 2024, capable of generating 25% of its own power.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the airport strives to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030 or earlier. This ambitious goal highlights the airport’s ongoing dedication to sustainable aviation practices.