The Bristol-based developer, which uses treated human sewage (biosolids) as a feedstock, says it now has all the necessary components in place to scale production and support efforts to decarbonise the aviation industry.
The ‘wet-to-jet’ approach
Under the terms of the agreement, Altaca will supply Firefly with its CatLiq hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology. The technology converts sewage sludge into crude oil, representing a crucial upstream step in the biofuel production process.
The addition of HTL technology completes the supply chain required for Firefly to scale its “wet-to-jet” platform, which aims to provide sustainable aviation fuel for an industry facing growing regulatory and decarbonisation pressures.
Building an integrated supply chain
Firefly plans to source feedstock for its first project from UK water companies, helping to address waste disposal challenges. Chevron Lummus Global is providing downstream refining technology, while airline Wizz Air has already secured a 15-year offtake agreement for the finished fuel.
According to Firefly, the partnership with Altaca strengthens its ability to produce sustainable aviation fuel using locally sourced feedstocks, reducing exposure to some global supply chain uncertainties.
Signing ceremony in Ankara
Reflecting growing Anglo-Turkish collaboration in science, engineering and industry, the agreement was signed during a ceremony at the British Embassy in Ankara hosted by British Ambassador to Turkey Jill Morris CMG.
The event was attended by a number of senior figures, including Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan. The agreement was signed by Firefly co-founders James Hygate, CEO, and Paul Hilditch, Strategy Director, alongside Altaca co-founders Alper Önoğlu, President, and Taner Önoğlu, Vice President.
Leadership perspectives
James Hygate OBE, CEO of Firefly, said: “We’ve looked around the world and undertaken extensive testing to find the best-in-class supplier for this key technology – and we found it in Altaca.
“Firefly exists to combat climate change by decarbonising aviation. With all the pieces now in place, we have an end-to-end platform and a new category of waste-to-fuels infrastructure. We can now get to work on saving carbon by the gigatonne.”
Alper Önoğlu, President of Altaca, added: “At Altaca, we are thrilled that our hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology has been recognised as the final, crucial link in Firefly’s innovative supply chain.
“Our engineering solution provides the essential upstream step required to transform sewage sludge into high-quality bio-crude oil, enabling the production of sustainable aviation fuel. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to engineering excellence and our shared vision of helping to decarbonise the aviation industry on a global scale.”
Image provided by Firefly