New development in SAF: poo-powered fuel
Firefly Green Fuels, is transforming human waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to meet environmental goals and reduce carbon emissions.
In a groundbreaking environmental initiative, biofuel company Firefly Green Fuels is to convert human waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the New Zealand Herald reports.
This innovative approach utilizes approximately 228 tonnes of human waste to produce just one tonne of aviation fuel. Despite the UK producing 57 million tonnes of human effluent annually, the process of transforming this ‘low-value waste product’ into fuel remains costly compared to conventional fuel production.
Refining the process
Firefly's CEO, James Hygate, emphasized the potential of biosolids, sourced from water treatment facilities, as a significant, though unconventional, resource. The challenge now lies in refining the process to enhance efficiency and awaiting regulatory approvals for aviation use. Paul Hilditch, COO of Firefly, remains optimistic about overcoming regulatory hurdles, underscoring the immense untapped energy potential in human waste.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the project received a significant boost with a $30 million grant from the UK government in 2021, aimed at supporting SAF production from human waste. If successful, this initiative could supply about half of the UK's mandated SAF demand by 2030, marking a significant contribution to environmental sustainability in aviation.
