Velocys gets planning permission for UK’s first waste-to-jet-fuel plant

In the UK, Velocys said planning permission has been given to Altalto Immingham, the UK’s first commercial waste-to-jet-fuel plant, by North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC)’s Planning Committee. A formal decision notice will then be issued subject to the completion of standard legal agreements with NELC. All statutory consultees have indicated their acceptance of the plan.

The proposed Altalto Immingham plant is to convert hundreds of thousands of tonnes per year of non-recyclable everyday household and commercial waste, otherwise destined for landfill or incineration, into cleaner burning sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The project is a collaboration between Velocys, British Airways PLC and Shell International Petroleum Company Limited. It is expected to create 130 permanent skilled jobs and many more during construction.

The fuel, based on technology supplied by Velocys, offers net greenhouse gas savings of around 70% for each ton of conventional jet fuel it displaces. It would also improve air quality, with up to 90% reduction in particulate matter (soot) from aircraft engine exhausts and almost 100% reduction in sulphur oxides.

Subject to additional funding and financial close, construction is targeted to begin in 2022, and the facility could be producing fuel from 2025.