STOCKTON
Keeping operations running smoothly - Lighthouse Green Fuels ' shift operators are the bedrock of the facility . Pictured are Jonathan McBean , Kyle Kirton and Lee Donaldson .
annum of waste or biomass feedstock will be processed per year , generating more than 134,000 tonnes per year of second generation SAF and more than 20,000 tonnes per year of green naphtha .
SAF produced by the plant will account for over 10 per cent of the UK government ’ s 2030 SAF target of 1.2 million tonnes - sufficient to fuel 25,000 short-haul or 2,500 long-haul flights . Compared with conventional aviation fuel ( kerosene ) derived from fossil fuels , LGF ’ s SAF will save more than 350,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually .
LGF not only marks a milestone in SAF production on a commercial scale nationally , it offers significant socio-economic benefits to the Teesside region by acting as a catalyst for economic growth .
With a substantial £ 1.5bn investment , the construction phase alone is expected to generate more than £ 470m Gross Value Added ( GVA ) for the UK , providing a boost to the national economy .
WHY TEESSIDE ? Strong Industrial Heritage Teesside has long been a cornerstone of industrial innovation in the UK , and the new SAF plant continues this tradition . During WWII the Teesside site , originally the Billingham Manufacturing Plant operated by ICI , was crucial for producing synthetic fuel from coal , vital due to petroleum scarcity . This ensured a reliable supply of materials for military and domestic use .
Leveraging its legacy , the new SAF plant at Teesside will use cutting-edge technology to convert waste and biomass into SAF , significantly reducing carbon emissions . This facility symbolises the region ’ s ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in meeting future energy challenges .
Skilled Workforce The region has a skilled workforce with expertise in engineering , manufacturing and chemical processing , which is vital for the successful operation and maintenance of the SAF plant . LGF already employs a team of more than 40 people on-site and it will create up to 2,600 jobs across the region during the construction phase , with a further 840 fulltime jobs created once operational by 2029 .
Carbon Capture & Storage Another key factor in selecting the project ' s location is its position within the Carbon Capture Cluster ( known as Net Zero Teesside ( NZT ), which is part of the Northern Endurance Partnership ( NEP )). Carbon capture plays a pivotal role in SAF production in the UK .
By leveraging carbon capture technology in conjunction with access to permanent storage , such as the NZT infrastructure , LGF
Noaman Al Adhami emphasises LGF ' s critical role in enhancing UK energy security .
can substantially reduce the carbon intensity of the SAF produced by the plant .
Energy Security and Government Support Noaman Al Adhami , UK country head for Alfanar Projects , says : " Recent global events underscore the critical importance of energy security . The LGF project will significantly enhance the UK ’ s energy independence by establishing a domestic source of alternative jet fuel .
“ This venture is crucial for reducing dependence on imports and , consequently , maintaining competitive ticket prices compared with imported SAF and associated fees , benefiting both the UK PLC and consumers .
“ Recognised by the UK government ’ s Department for Transport as one of the five key SAF plants pivotal for achieving its Jet Zero Strategy goals , LGF has received respective funding support and is committed to delivering on this mission , ensuring a sustainable future for aviation and strengthening the UK ' s energy security .”
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