Client: Confidential
Date: March 2024
Project Team: Théa Allary, Consultant & David Turley, Director and Principal Consultant
Background: Transport accounts for the largest share of UK greenhouse emissions. As the electrification of road transport progresses, the attention of policy makers and technology developers is increasingly turning to the aviation sector. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is seen as a key mechanism in decarbonising aviation. Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF currently dominates supply, but a range new process routes based on various forms of biomass are in development.
Objective:
It is within this context that Alder was commissioned by a multinational SAF producer, looking to develop a SAF production facility in the UK. Eager to maintain high standards of sustainability, the client’s aim was to gain a better understanding of the availability of lignocellulosic wastes and residues in the UK to assess the feasibility of producing SAF from domestic feedstocks, thus negating the need for imports, particularly of US-produced wood pellets.
Our Approach:
Using Alders in-house feedstock database, largely populated with data gathered from publicly available databases, such as those kept by Forestry England and Defra, the team was able to estimate current and projected residue and waste quantities in the UK. Data was then refined using industry reports and communication materials from groups such as the Wood Recyclers’ Association, looking at national and regional market dynamics. The study focused on forest harvest residues, sawmill residues, industrial waste wood (from construction and furniture-making for example), crop residues and short rotation coppice (i.e. willow and poplar). Finally, the UK’s domestic production and import volumes of wood pellets were also assessed for comparison and to provide further context for the study.
Outcomes and benefits:
The final results provided the client with a clearer view of the landscape for this type of feedstock, enabling them to refine their business model for the planned SAF production facility in the UK.