Arup to lead development of UK’s largest sustainable aviation fuel facility

Commissioned by global project development, manufacturing and engineering firm group, Alfanar, the SAF facility will be based in a newly chosen site in Seal Sands, within the North Teesside industrial cluster. As a second-generation SAF facility, it will produce fuel from sustainably sourced biomass feedstocks, offering a sustainable alternative to crop-based biofuels.

The project marks a significant advancement towards decarbonising the UK’s aviation industry and supports the UK Government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate, which targets SAF to make up 10% of UK jet fuel demand by 2030. Lighthouse Green Fuels will contribute significantly to this target, producing 180 million litres of second-generation SAF and 30 million litres of renewable naphtha annually, to support carbon emission reductions.

The appointment builds on Arup’s longstanding strategic advisory support over the last two years. The consultancy’s role has now expanded to encompass full environmental impact assessment (EIA), preparation and submission of the DCO application and delivering the site’s quay design, marking a significant milestone for the project.

As part of the application, Arup will support a comprehensive statutory consultation for the project, designed to engage and gather input from the Teesside local community. This process is critical to ensuring the project meets environmental standards, secures planning consents and delivers long-term value to the region.

Richard Lowe, Director of Energy Consenting and Development at Arup, commented: “Sustainable aviation fuels are among a range of emerging solutions that can support the decarbonisation of aviation. Projects such as Lighthouse Green Fuels offer a valuable opportunity to contribute to this shift, while supporting innovation.

“Our expanded role within the project reflects Arup’s commitment to enabling low-carbon infrastructure, supporting our clients and working closely with the Teesside community to ensure this facility creates lasting benefits for the region as well as the aviation sector.”

Noaman Al Adhami at Alfanar, commented: “Lighthouse Green Fuels will be the UK’s  flagship SAF facility, and we’re delighted to be moving into the next phase of planning consent with Arup’s support. The site has been carefully selected for its size, suitability and access to critical infrastructure, enabling the SAF process to be delivered in one location.

“This facility will help decarbonise one of the most challenging sectors, while establishing a new green industry and reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in SAF.”