New Teesside aviation fuel facility to create 30 jobs
Project Speedbird will be based at Teesside’s Wilton International and is spearheaded by LanzaJet, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel technology.
In collaboration with Sembcorp and British Airways, LanzaJet aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 230,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to 26,000 UK domestic flights.
The facility will create around 30 highly skilled, long-term roles within LanzaJet’s operations.
Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, said: “Wilton International was selected for its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, essential for SAF production.
“This selection underscores Teesside’s pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation efforts.
“By leveraging Wilton International’s capabilities, the project enhances the region’s status as a leader in alternative energy initiatives, contributing significantly to the UK’s clean energy objectives.”
The facility will utilise LanzaJet’s proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, first deployed at its Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA, the world’s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production plant.
Carrie Harris, director of sustainability at British Airways, said: ”We are delighted that LanzaJet has selected Wilton International in Teesside as the site for Project Speedbird.
“This milestone paves the way for the next stage of this innovative project, which is an important step towards scaling up sustainable aviation fuel production in the UK.”
Mike Patrick, chief executive officer of Sembcorp Energy UK, said: “We are pleased to welcome LanzaJet to our Wilton International site in Teesside.
“By providing ready-to-go infrastructure, energy and utilities services, we support their efforts in developing sustainable and low-carbon solutions.
“This collaboration aligns with our commitment to accelerating the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.
“We look forward to partnering with LanzaJet as they play a pivotal role in transforming the aviation sector towards net zero.”
Redcar MP Anna Turley welcomed the announcement, saying: “I am absolutely delighted that Redcar and Cleveland has been chosen as the site for this cutting-edge facility, which represents a major step forward in both the UK’s green transition and the future of aviation.
“Project Speedbird will create high-quality jobs, boost local industry, and help meet the UK’s ambitious climate goals.
“This collaboration between LanzaJet, Sembcorp, and British Airways demonstrates the potential of Teesside to lead the way in industrial decarbonisation.
“This is an exciting moment for our area and for the UK as a whole as we continue to push for net-zero by 2050.”
Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, added: “As leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, I’m thrilled to welcome LanzaJet’s sustainable aviation fuel facility to our borough, secured through vital Labour Government funding.
“This transformative project cements Redcar and Cleveland’s position as a leader in green innovation, creating jobs and driving us towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
The project is supported by the UK government under the Advanced Fuels Fund.