UK Startup Reveals Strategy to Transform Human Waste into Aviation Fuel

Wizz Air, in partnership with the sustainable aviation company Firefly, has unveiled plans to construct a commercial refinery in Essex aimed at producing aviation fuel from human waste.

Firefly, headquartered in Bristol, has developed a pioneering process to transform treated sewage into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Under the initiative, Wizz Air has committed to investing in up to 525,000 tonnes of Firefly’s waste-based fuel over the next 15 years, potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds.

The pilot refinery, slated to be established in Harwich, will utilize “biosolids” from Anglian Water, converting them into aircraft fuel. With regulatory mandates on the horizon requiring a significant portion of aviation fuel to be sustainable, Firefly’s innovative approach offers a promising solution. The European Union mandates at least 20% SAF by 2035, while the UK is expected to announce a mandatory 10% by 2030.

While other methods of producing SAF are costly and rely on limited waste feedstocks like used cooking oil, Firefly’s process stands out for its potential cost-effectiveness and abundance. Paul Hilditch, Firefly’s Chief Operations Officer, highlighted the ample supply of biosolids, describing them as having no intrinsic value and constituting a significant portion of airlines’ fuel requirements in the UK.

Firefly has successfully produced small test quantities of SAF that are chemically identical to conventional jet fuel, with a residue suitable for soil enhancement. While the fuel awaits regulatory approval, Firefly aims to commence commercial SAF deliveries by 2028-29. The initial facility in Harwich will cater to London airports, with plans for additional refineries across the UK.

Yvonne Moynihan, Wizz Air’s Corporate and ESG Officer, emphasized the role of SAF in reducing aviation emissions, aligning with Wizz Air’s ambition to integrate 10% SAF into its operations by 2030. However, scaling up production and deployment remains a prerequisite for achieving this goal.

While the UK government anticipates the construction of five commercial SAF plants by 2025, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of using human waste for aviation. Matt Finch of Transport & Environment UK highlighted alternative uses for sewage, such as biomethane production, posing a conundrum about optimal biomass utilization.

Cait Hewitt from the Aviation Environment Foundation underscored the need for alternative fuels to contribute to net-zero solutions by actively sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. Despite such considerations, Firefly contends that converting human waste into jet fuel offers an efficient waste disposal method with additional benefits beyond the UK.

James Hygate, Firefly’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the broader environmental advantages of their innovative approach. As the initiative progresses, it represents a significant step towards sustainable aviation and efficient waste management on a global scale.