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Strengths – Wilton International boasts ready-to-use infrastructure , tax incentives and a highly collaborative industrial network , enabling businesses to reduce investment costs , mitigate risks and accelerate their time to market .
“ This collaboration aligns with our commitment to accelerating the UK ’ s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation .
Wilton International ’ s future is bright , with continued investment and strategic planning reinforcing its standing as a premier location for innovative , greenfocused industrial development .
The blend of existing expertise , stateof-the-art infrastructure and a progressive vision makes the site a vital asset in the UK ’ s transition to a sustainable future .
Wilton International isn ’ t just a site ; it ’ s a powerhouse for industrial growth , innovation and the UK ’ s sustainable future .
Welcoming LanzaJet A major milestone for Wilton International and Sembcorp was reached in January , when LanzaJet , a leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel ( SAF ) technology and producer of SAF , announced that Wilton would be the site of its next production facility .
LanzaJet has partnered with Sembcorp to develop an ethanol-to-SAF facility .
Through a collaboration with British Airways , Project Speedbird will produce more than 90,000 tonnes ( 30m gallons ) of SAF and renewable diesel annually .
Project Speedbird , a recipient of grant funding by the UK government under the Advanced Fuels Fund , is likely to generate significant regional benefits and create around 30 highly-skilled , long-term roles within LanzaJet ’ s operations .
The fuel produced is expected to reduce the net carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 230,000 tonnes per year – equivalent to 26,000 British Airways UK domestic flights .
“ Wilton International was selected for its strategic location and advanced infrastructure , essential for SAF production ,” said Jimmy Samartzis , CEO of LanzaJet .
“ 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 .
“ Through our collaboration with British Airways , we are building a local supply chain for SAF – a critical solution for reducing lifecycle net carbon emissions in aviation – while supporting the UK ’ s ambition to lead the energy transition .
“ Project Speedbird demonstrates the potential of aligning technology , investment and partnerships to address the aviation industry ’ s carbon emissions .”
The facility will utilise LanzaJet ’ s proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology , deployed at its Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia , USA , the world ’ s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production plant .
Project Speedbird will produce SAF from sustainably-sourced ethanol and will also establish key collaborations across the region to further bolster the local economy .
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 .
“ SAF will be crucial in helping us reach our net zero goals by 2050 , and this development marks significant progress towards producing UK SAF , while also supporting local communities and creating green jobs .”
Sembcorp chief executive officer Mike Patrick 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 .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 29