Announced by Aviation Minister Mike Kane MP during a visit to the University on Monday 21 July, Sheffield will lead a £1.5 million project to commercialise innovative SAF production technology. The initiative also aims to attract investment for new SAF plants and boost the UK’s cleaner fuel supply to the aviation sector.
International Collaboration to Deliver NextGen-SAF
The project, titled NextGen-SAF, will be delivered by a consortium including:
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Fuel Cell Energy (US)
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Green Lizard Technologies (UK)
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Drax Power (UK)
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IMI Vivo (Italy)
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Gardner Consulting (UK)
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Leeds Bradford Airport (UK)
It has received letters of support from Airbus, Boeing, City of Doncaster Council, and Qatar Airways.
New Production Pathway: Power to Liquid (PtL)
Unlike traditional SAF production, which relies on bio or waste feedstocks, Sheffield’s technology removes this dependency. The new method, known as Power to Liquid (PtL), combines:
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Renewable electricity to generate hydrogen
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Carbon dioxide captured from the air or industrial processes
The hydrogen and CO₂ are then synthesised into hydrocarbons, which are refined into sustainable aviation fuel. This process not only decarbonises fuel production but could also support industrial applications.
Demonstration Plant to Combine World-First Technologies
The NextGen-SAF project will build a world-first demonstration plant integrating:
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A Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) — to produce hydrogen and capture carbon dioxide
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An Advanced Fischer-Tropsch (AFT) reactor — to convert the gases into hydrocarbons
The goal is to showcase the system’s reliability and operability, proving its potential for large-scale SAF production.
A Major Step for UK’s Green Fuel Capabilities
Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said:
“We are proud to lead this project, made possible by this vital funding, to develop a new and innovative SAF production pathway.
Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to reducing emissions from the aviation industry, and through this project we are taking a major step toward scaling up SAF production right here in the UK.”
Government Backs Innovation and Green Jobs
During his announcement of £63 million in SAF project funding across 17 initiatives, Aviation Minister Mike Kane said:
“This £63 million is lift-off for Britain's green aviation revolution.
From the labs of Sheffield to the runways of the future – this is how we kickstart economic growth, secure energy independence, and make Britain a clean energy superpower.”
Sheffield: A Global Leader in SAF Research
The University of Sheffield is recognised globally for its expertise in sustainable aviation fuel. Its Energy Innovation Centre houses advanced pilot-scale clean energy facilities, enabling research and collaboration between academics and industry.
The University also hosts the UK SAF Clearing House — one of only two centres worldwide — which helps fuel producers meet aviation certification standards.
From Transatlantic Flight to Emissions Reduction
Sheffield researchers were part of the consortium that achieved the world’s first transatlantic flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel. Using the University’s unique facilities, they analysed the impact of SAF on emissions and contrail formation, finding up to a 70% reduction in particulates.
Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Managing Director of the Energy Innovation Centre and project lead, added:
“It is fantastic to see the University of Sheffield playing a leading role in sustainable aviation fuel development.
We are excited to work with industry partners to test and scale up new fuels and clean energy technologies.”
