In a groundbreaking move towards decarbonizing aviation, OXCCU, an Oxford University spinout, has unveiled its revolutionary demonstration plant at London Oxford Airport. The plant, known as OX1, utilizes a novel one-step process to convert CO2 into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), potentially transforming the future of aviation. This innovative approach is a significant stride towards the industry’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
At VURDHAAN, we actively support the aviation sector’s transition to sustainability, offering tailored solutions in line with initiatives like CORSIA, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and ReFuelEU Aviation. As the aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, it is critical that companies adopt cutting-edge technologies, such as SAF, to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Power of CO2 Conversion
What sets OXCCU’s process apart from traditional SAF production is its efficiency. While SAF has primarily been developed using biomass-based feedstocks, such as cooking oils, OXCCU has found a way to produce jet fuel from CO2 and hydrogen through a single-step catalytic process. Unlike conventional methods that require multiple stages to convert CO2 and hydrogen into fuel, this process skips the intermediate syngas step, making it more cost-effective and scalable. The plant, currently in the research and development phase, is expected to yield about 1.2 liters of fuel per day.
This development aligns with global efforts to scale up SAF production. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF is expected to meet 0.53% of aviation fuel needs this year, but innovations like OXCCU’s could drastically increase this percentage in the coming years.
The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
OXCCU’s ultimate goal is to scale up production, with plans to build larger facilities that could eventually produce up to 10,000 liters of SAF per day by 2028. This scale-up will be crucial in meeting the future SAF blending mandates set by governments, including the UK’s target of blending 3.5% PtL (Power-to-Liquids) fuels into aviation fuel by 2040.
For the aviation sector to fully embrace SAF, the fuel must meet stringent international standards, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D1655. OXCCU is actively working towards qualifying its SAF through the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) pathway, ensuring it can be safely blended with traditional fuels at regulated ratios.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Advancing Aviation Sustainability
As a leader in sustainability consultancy, VURDHAAN is well-positioned to assist aviation companies in integrating SAF into their operations. We specialize in helping organizations navigate the complexities of SAF certifications, compliance with initiatives like CORSIA, and meeting emission reduction targets through strategies that prioritize both environmental impact and cost-efficiency.
With OXCCU’s advancements and our comprehensive sustainability services, the future of aviation looks increasingly greener. Together, we can help the industry soar toward a more sustainable future—one flight at a time.