FAQs

Lighthouse Green Fuels is an advanced second-generation SAF project that will convert biogenic waste and residues into aviation fuel at the Project Site in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, UK.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are renewable or waste-derived aviation fuels that meets strict sustainability criteria.^[1] SAF can be made from renewable sources such as used cooking oil, municipal waste or agricultural residues to name a few. It is a safe, proven fuel. SAF derived from biogenic waste and residue sources such as waste wood or agri residues have the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional aviation fuel.^[2]

^{[1] Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) (icao.int)}

^{[2] Facts & figures | ATAG}

Lighthouse Green Fuels will produce advanced second-generation SAF, which has the potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional fossil-derived jet fuel. In the future, we plan for the Project to use local carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure which has the potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our SAF by up to 200%. With access to CCS technology, it will be possible to prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and produce a negative-emission fuel. In other words, more carbon will be avoided or removed from the atmosphere than released.

The benefits of using advanced SAF over conventional aviation fuel (i.e. kerosene) include a reduction in aircraft contrails, and it has a non-toxic chemical composition. Production routes for advanced SAF creates the potential to unlock new feedstocks to produce the fuel.

The UK government has committed to decarbonising the UK’s aviation sector to reach Net Zero by 2050. The Jet Zero Strategy announced in 2022 will play a vital role in achieving net zero, with aviation making up around 12% of the UK transport related emissions in 2020^[3]. In a world that is decarbonising large scale sectors of industry and the wider global economy, without immediate action, the aviation sector has the potential to be the largest emitter of carbon globally with passenger numbers predicted to grow to 16 billion by 2050, compared to 4 billion pre-pandemic in 2018.

The UK government is supporting the growth of a domestic SAF industry through its Jet Zero Strategy which includes a comprehensive SAF mandate and the introduction of a Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM). As part of this strategy, the UK aims to achieve at least 10% SAF in its aviation fuel mix by 2030. Lighthouse Green Fuels is among the leading SAF projects positioned to help deliver this ambition.^[4]

^{[3] Transport and environment statistics 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)}

^{[4] jet-zero-strategy.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)}

We will assess the potential effects of our proposals on noise and vibration during the construction and operation phases. The findings from our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), along with preliminary mitigation measures, will be presented in the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and its Non-Technical Summary (NTS). A summary of the PEIR findings on noise and vibration will also be included in the Consultation Information Booklet.

We will assess the potential landscape and visual effects of our proposals during the construction and operation phases. The findings from our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), along with preliminary mitigation measures, will be presented in the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and its Non-Technical Summary (NTS). A summary of the PEIR findings on landscape and visual effects will also be included in the Consultation Information Booklet.

As part of our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) we will undergo a process to identify and fully understand the potential effects that the proposed development may have on the environment, people, and local communities. This will involve consultation with affected local people, wider communities, and other stakeholders to ensure that the EIA identifies the relevant effects of the proposed Lighthouse Green Fuels Project.

Throughout the design process, we will seek to reduce impacts in the local area and consider how enhancements can be delivered as part of the Project.

The initial findings from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be presented in the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and its Non-Technical Summary (NTS).