HUGE NEWS FOR REDCAR AND CLEVELAND: LanzaJet’s Selection of Redcar and Cleveland for Major Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production Facility

Anna Turley has today welcomed the announcement that LanzaJet has selected Wilton International in Redcar and Cleveland as the site for its next major Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility.

The project, known as Project Speedbird, is a key part of the UK’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry and accelerate the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

The development, supported by a grant from the UK government’s Advanced Fuels Fund, will see LanzaJet and its partners, including Sembcorp Utilities and British Airways, build an ethanol-to-SAF production facility at Wilton International. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce over 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel annually, reducing net carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 230,000 tonnes per year - equivalent to the emissions of 26,000 UK domestic flights by British Airways.

The facility will use LanzaJet’s proprietary alcohol-to-jet technology, which has already been deployed at the company’s Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA—the world’s first commercial ethanol-to-SAF production plant. This technology will convert sustainably sourced ethanol into SAF, offering a scalable solution for the aviation sector’s carbon emissions.

The project is expected to create around 30 long-term, highly skilled jobs and deliver significant benefits to the local economy, reinforcing Teesside’s position as a hub for green energy and industrial innovation.

Anna Turley, Member of Parliament for Redcar and Cleveland said:

"I am absolutely delighted that Redcar and Cleveland has been chosen as the site for this cutting-edge facility, which represents a major step forward in both the UK's green transition and the future of aviation.

“Project Speedbird will create high-quality jobs, boost local industry, and help meet the UK’s ambitious climate goals. It’s a perfect example of how this new Labour Government’s investment in green technology can drive innovation, support regional economies, and contribute to a cleaner future in all industries including aviation. This collaboration between LanzaJet, Sembcorp, and British Airways demonstrates the potential of Teesside to lead the way in industrial decarbonisation. This is an exciting moment for our area and for the UK as a whole as we continue to push for net-zero by 2050."

"This investment in Redcar and Cleveland underscores our region’s growing role as a centre of excellence for green energy and innovation. With the recent investments in Teesside in Carbon Capture and Storage Facilities and now Project Speedbird and other initiatives like it, we are not just securing the future of aviation but also driving the green jobs and economic growth that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council Said:

"As Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, I’m thrilled to welcome LanzaJet’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel facility to our borough, secured through vital Labour Government funding. This transformative project cements Redcar and Cleveland’s position as a leader in green innovation, creating jobs and driving us towards a cleaner, more sustainable future."