Northern Ireland plant to produce advanced biofuels from waste

In partnership with NASA, Renovare Fuels is preparing to inaugurate a £9 million biofuels facility in County Derry, Northern Ireland. This cutting-edge plant will generate nearly two million liters of renewable biofuels each year, derived from biogas produced by landfill waste. Pioneering in both the UK and Europe, the project is anticipated to generate local employment opportunities during the construction phase, including skilled engineering positions.

Renovare Fuels’ biofuels act as direct substitutes for traditional aviation fuel, requiring no modifications to engines and potentially leading to a remarkable reduction of up to 97% in greenhouse gas emissions.

The plant’s production is poised to receive additional backing through the Department for Transport’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. Distribution efforts will target UK-based fuel distributors and multinational petrochemical and airline companies.

The global demand for biofuels in aviation has already gained traction. Notably, a Boeing 787 recently completed a journey between London and New York fueled by 60 tons of waste fats and low-carbon kerosene, powering a Virgin Atlantic flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a business jet operator, also achieved what it termed the first transatlantic flight fueled by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Further highlighting the industry’s momentum, United Airlines Inc, a major US air carrier, has entered into a significant agreement to purchase up to one billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Cemvita Corp’s inaugural full-scale manufacturing facility in Texas. The 20-year offtake arrangement outlines Cemvita’s commitment to delivering up to 50 million gallons of SAF annually, as disclosed in a joint statement by the two companies.