A new aviation fuel facility in Teesside will create 30 jobs and help reduce carbon emissions significantly, marking a step towards sustainable energy.
Teesside: A new project called Speedbird is coming to Wilton International, led by LanzaJet, which is known for its work in sustainable aviation fuel.
They’re teaming up with Sembcorp and British Airways to cut down carbon emissions by about 230,000 tonnes each year. That’s like taking 26,000 domestic flights off the UK skies!
This facility is set to create around 30 skilled jobs, which is great news for the local community.
Jimmy Samartzis, LanzaJet’s CEO, mentioned that Wilton International was chosen for its great location and infrastructure, which are key for producing sustainable aviation fuel.
He also highlighted how important Teesside is in the UK’s shift towards cleaner energy and reducing industrial emissions.
By using the capabilities at Wilton, this project will help boost the region’s reputation as a leader in alternative energy, supporting the UK’s clean energy goals.
The facility will use LanzaJet’s special alcohol-to-jet technology, which was first used in their Freedom Pines Fuels plant in Georgia, USA. That was the world’s first commercial plant for turning ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel.
British Airways’ sustainability director, Carrie Harris, expressed excitement about LanzaJet picking Teesside for this project, calling it a significant step in ramping up sustainable aviation fuel production in the UK.
Mike Patrick, CEO of Sembcorp Energy UK, also welcomed LanzaJet to their site, emphasizing their commitment to supporting low-carbon solutions and the UK’s energy transition.
Redcar MP Anna Turley was thrilled about the announcement, saying it’s a big win for Redcar and Cleveland, boosting local jobs and helping the UK meet its climate goals.
She noted that this partnership shows Teesside’s potential in leading industrial decarbonization, marking an exciting time for the area and the UK as they aim for net-zero by 2050.
Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, shared his excitement too, highlighting how this project, backed by Labour Government funding, positions their area as a leader in green innovation.
The project is also supported by the UK government through the Advanced Fuels Fund, which is a great boost for the initiative.
